Eco-STEM Leaders
Empowering the Next Generation of Environmental and STEM Leaders
Are you a high school student with a passion for science, a curiosity for the world around you, and a drive to make a difference? The Eco-STEM Leaders program at Sturgeon City is for you. This program is designed for those who are ready to dive into hands-on science and leadership. There will be a limited number of students selected to participate in the program.
In a world that needs innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges, we believe the next generation of leaders will come from places like Onslow County and surrounding areas. Our program bridges the gap between traditional classroom learning and real-world application by providing you with the skills, mentorship, and experiences you need to succeed in a college education and a future career in STEM.
What You’ll Do
Hands-On Science Research
Work on real-world research projects. You’ll use the local area as a living laboratory, collecting data, conducting experiments, and analyzing your findings to address local environmental issues. Your capstone research project will be focused on environmental stewardship.
Leadership and Professional Development
Our program is designed to develop the critical skills and professional connections you’ll need for your future. Sharpen your abilities in communication and teamwork while also getting a head start on your career through resume-building workshops and networking with STEM professionals.
Community Service
Make a real impact in your community. You’ll participate in an environmental cleanup, Earth Day event, and citizen science project that will contribute to a healthier environment for everyone. A minimum of 16 community services hours to be used for one of the following SAT, AVID, BETA, National Honor Society, or other.
Culminating Presentation
Showcase your hard work at a public event where you will present your independent research project to family, friends, and the community. This is a powerful experience that builds confidence and provides a great addition to college applications.
Program Details
Who: High school student for grades 9 to 11
When: The program runs for six months, from January to June. The program will end with a mandatory week in June that all students are required to attend.
Where: Sturgeon City Environmental Education Center
Cost: $200 (Cost assistance available)
Ready to Become an Eco-STEM Leader?
Take the first step toward a future in science and leadership.
We encourage all high school students to take charge of their applications. While you may have someone proofread your work or offer occasional help, it’s important that you maintain ownership of the process. This demonstrates the commitment to leadership that is central to our program.
Applications are due by December 10, 2025. If you are chosen, we will notify you by email on or before January 7, 2026.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
January 22 - First Meeting – 6-7:30pm
We'll start by reviewing the expectations, syllabus, and the overall timeline for your independent research projects. A key part of this session will be a research topic activity, designed to guide you in selecting your final project focus. Please come prepared with at least three research topic ideas that are of genuine personal interest to you. Finally, we'll shift our attention to the upcoming clean-up event, discussing strategies for increasing attendance and planning the day-of facilitation to ensure everything runs smoothly.
February 08 - Clean-Up Event – 12-5pm
Our focus for this session will be the Clean-Up Event, where we will work together to facilitate and clean the Sturgeon City site, including the surrounding wetlands and protected areas. Immediately following the clean-up, you will be expected to submit your proposed research topic for approval as the next step in your Independent Research Project.
February 19 - Meeting – 6-7:30pm
The core of our meeting will be the Independent Research Project, where project leaders and selected STEM mentors will assist you with the crucial step of project design. This involves discussing the timeframe for your work, the specific data that needs to be collected, and any potential safety concerns that must be addressed. We will also collaborate closely to finalize a list of necessary equipment and supplies for your projects, which Sturgeon City will purchase (within reason). Following that, we'll begin planning the Earth Day Celebration at Sturgeon City, which students will lead and staff; please be aware that this effort may require some communication outside of our regular program meetings. Finally, we will schedule 15-minute virtual individual check-ins for you with staff on either March 4 or 5.
March 19 - Meeting – 6-7:30pm
This session will feature a presentation from a STEM professional speaker. Following the talk, we will finalize the Earth Day Celebration station plans and select the citizen science group project for the May 17th meeting. For your Independent Research Project, you will work directly with program leaders to review the data you've collected so far. Finally, we will schedule a 15-minute virtual individual check-in for you with staff on either April 29 or 30.
April 18 - Earth Day Celebration - 8am-4pm
Staffing educational booths that you planned.
May 14 - Meeting – 6-7:30pm
Today, we will begin by hearing from a STEM professional speaker. Following that, we'll finalize the citizen science plans. For your Independent Research Project, you'll meet with program leaders to review your overall project progress and discuss the best manners and methods for displaying your data in preparation for your public presentation.
May 17 - Citizen Science Group Project - 12pm-4pm
June 15 - June 18 - Summer Learning Week - 9am-3pm
Over these four days, we have a packed schedule of activities. We will hear from multiple STEM professional speakers, and you'll participate in environmental science discussions and labs to deepen your understanding. You will also attend an in-house Resume Builder Workshop to help with your professional development. A significant focus will be on your Independent Research Project: you'll finalize your project, including your data collection and conclusions, and then work to finalize your presentation displays and practice your final presentation.
June 19 - Presentation Event -9am-12pm
Present your independent research project to the public.
