Today, youth recognize many issues in their communities, but where do they begin? In this session, I will share how a simple observation about plastic waste in a research laboratory grew into EcoTips, a youth-led sustainability initiative, and EcoVision, a county-wide environmental event connecting hundreds of community members with local organizations. Attendees will learn strategies for identifying community needs, developing a plan for action, building partnerships, setting attainable goals, and transforming STEM knowledge into impactful action through sharing my story and how I completed these tasks over the past three years.
Through real examples, successes, and challenges from reducing plastic waste in scientific laboratories in 2024, to hosting community-wide sustainability events and volunteer initiatives, to teaching young kids the concept of sustainability through STEM activities, I will share my setbacks and successes, as well as things I wish I had known before pursuing this "passion project". Afterward, I'll share a few of my favorite interactive STEM activities that I taught kids at the EcoKids camp in 2026 to encourage discussion and hands-on engagement amongst attendees. I hope that attendees leave with increased confidence, actionable strategies for launching youth-led initiatives, and a stronger understanding of how environmental stewardship, community engagement, and STEM can work together to create lasting impact. The session is designed to be interactive, encouraging participants to brainstorm opportunities for change in their own communities and begin developing their own action plans.
