12th Annual SEEA Conference & Research Symposium

The Environmental Justice STEMM Leadership Academy (EJSLA) is an innovative afterschool program designed to educate and empower middle and high school students in coastal communities about environmental justice issues along the Gulf of Mexico. Through hands-on STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) activities, community-based research, and advocacy training, students become agents of change, equipped to address environmental challenges affecting their communities.

This interactive presentation will showcase the structure, curriculum, and impact of EJSLA. Participants will engage in hands-on activities drawn directly from our Academy sessions.
We will also display student work, including research projects and advocacy campaigns. These artifacts will illustrate the depth of student learning, their ability to translate STEMM knowledge into action, and the power of youth-led advocacy. Throughout the session, we will share our successes, challenges, and lessons learned, providing insights into program implementation, student engagement, and strategies for fostering leadership in young people. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for developing similar initiatives in their own communities and institutions, along with a deeper understanding of how environmental justice education can inspire the next generation of changemakers.

Join The Living Arts & Science Center for a deep dive into implementing environmental education through the lens of a multidisciplinary non-profit.

The Living Arts & Science Center’s mission is to engage the community in participation in the arts and sciences through education, discovery, exploration, and creativity. The LASC is a unique educational institution where both art and science learning is collaboratively taught. Diverse programming is offered to individuals, schools, artists, and agencies making learning accessible to all. LASC programming is offered at our downtown Lexington location as well as in schools, community centers, libraries, hospitals, parks, and other facilities throughout the Commonwealth.

You will be joined by Jeanette Tesmer: Executive Director, Callie Northern: Education Director, and Lennon Michalski: Gallery Director. Jeanette Tesmer, Callie Northern and Lennon Michalski will dive into how their non profit organization implements environmental education and sustainability into their programming.

Executive Director, Jeanette Tesmer, will discuss the value of partnership with the community. How to effectively plan and prepare for funding opportunities with sustainability in mind. Education Director, Callie Northern, will discuss implementing valuable educational opportunities that include environmental education and sustainability. Programming opportunities include field trips, summer camps, and classes for both adults and children. By 2026, LASC’s plans to fully grow all of the on-site animals' food through hydroponic systems. Gallery Director, Lennon Michalski, will discuss LASC’s chef in residence program and share opportunities and goals for LASC’s kitchen to become not only a place for educational opportunities, but be fully sustainable utilizing the grounds for garden spaces that can be turned into multiple educational opportunities.