Student Action Overview

The Poudre Learning Center offers impactful stewardship programs that inspire students to engage with local issues and develop solutions that make a difference in their communities. Below are details about our FREE programs, including important dates and key information for participation.

Teachers

I like how it ties in with our material so nicely, and challenges my kids to think about solving a real issue that they see in their communities.

- Berthoud High School, Science

At the beginning, one student commented, "Wait, we have to do this project? Not just plan and write about it?"... After the project, students sent me articles they researched independently and implemented environmentally sound changes at work and at home. The program creates intrinsic motivation to learn and apply knowledge. This is the purpose of education, after all.

- Dayspring Christian Academy, Science

I appreciated that the students' final assessments was this project rather than a typical unit test.

- Poudre High School, Science

It is a great opportunity that has afforded my students experiences they normally wouldn't get because of the funding.

- Fort Collins High School, Science

Having such an amazing support system for the students and information readily available to the teachers with open and on-going communication is also the reason why I continue to look forward to supporting students in entering the contest.

- Teacher Survey Response, Science

Students

This program not only created a greater drive in me, but it also led me to have greater social interactions with others outside my school and within.

- Caring for Our Watersheds Student

I never thought I could be a part of something like this. In fact, life science is one of my worst subjects in school. I want to be an engineer! The fact I was given this opportunity and all the resources and support I needed is something I am extremely grateful for. I think this program is absolutely wonderful.

- Caring for Our Watersheds Student

I learned that I can do just about anything, and overcame my fear of doing something on my own.

- Caring for Our Watersheds Student

This project gave me the independence and experience of how I can make a change. I also learned that a science project can be more than just science and can require business thinking.

- Caring for Our Watersheds Student

9th Grade - 12th Grade

A student and volunteers work together to implement her project of planting trees in Lincoln Park.

Caring For Our Watersheds

Fostering Stewardship and Innovation in Air, Land, Water, and Wildlife Sustainability

Caring For Our Watersheds is a challenge that invites students within the South Platte River Watershed in Colorado to propose innovative solutions to protect and improve their local land and resources. This challenge is open to both middle and high school students, who are encouraged to research their watershed, identify key issues, and develop actionable ideas to address those challenges. $10,000 in implementation funds will be distributed to winning teams eager to bring their idea to life. Mentorship is available to implementing teams.

Key Dates:

August 27, 2025: Contest opens. Students research their watershed and begin developing their proposals that answer the question: “What can you do to improve your watershed?” Student workshops and Field Experiences are available!
January 4, 2026: Contest entry deadline. Proposals must be submitted by this date to be eligible for the competition.
May 8, 2026: Final Presentation & Award Ceremony at the Poudre Learning Center. Finalists present their proposals to a panel of judges, with over $6,000 in rewards available for students and over $11,000 for participating schools and clubs.

Students can deepen their understanding of local issues while strengthening their proposals by booking workshops and field experiences through the Poudre Learning Center. To schedule, click the 'Workshop Request' button below.

This program is a great pathway for students to earn a seal of climate literacy by meeting the experiential learning project requirements. Learn more about the Seal of Climate Literacy here.

For more information, contact Ivonne Morales (imorales4@greeleyschools.org) or visit CaringForOurWatersheds.com. Ready to get started? Register below!

Teacher registration

Workshop request

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