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.
