Empowering Youth Through Environmental Science and Storytelling

As climate change continues to affect our communities, young people are becoming increasingly aware of its widespread impact—but they may not always feel empowered to make a difference. This innovative project aims to change that by combining place-based learning, environmental fieldwork, and digital storytelling to inspire middle school youth to see themselves as future STEM leaders and changemakers.

Through a series of immersive summer camps and Saturday Academies, students will explore the history, ecology, and restoration of a local watershed—a vital ecosystem facing growing climate pressures in a rapidly developing city. Working alongside STEM professionals, college mentors, and community leaders, youth will gain hands-on experience in environmental science and restoration.

But that’s only the beginning.

Students will also become digital storytellers—creating podcasts, augmented reality (AR) experiences, and digital zines that bring the land, water, and community stories of the watershed to life. Guided by expert media mentors, this creative work allows youth to build connections between science, history, and their own identities while reaching broader audiences with their stories.

At its heart, this project positions youth not just as learners but as creators and problem-solvers. By integrating digital media with real-world science and local knowledge, the program nurtures environmental agency, STEM career awareness, and a sense of belonging in science. It also introduces a unique framework called identity play, which emphasizes the value of exploration, creativity, and personal growth in STEM pathways—recognizing that every student’s journey may be nonlinear and deeply personal.

Funded by the National Science Foundation's Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program, this project is designed to support the next generation of STEM-informed community advocates and offers a new model for meaningful, youth-centered science education.