Student Action Overview

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

3rd Grade - 5th Grade

A teacher and student stand beside their class's art that shows water's journey through watersheds.

The GROW Challenge

Inspiring Young Minds to Cultivate Environmental Awareness

The GROW Challenge is an exciting opportunity for elementary school students to learn about environmental stewardship and express their creativity through collaborative projects. Students begin by exploring topics like animal structures and biodiversity, which form the foundation of their projects. Each class works together to create a collective art project that highlights the importance of protecting our planet's ecosystems.

Key Dates:

September 3, 2024: Challenge opens
September 2024 - February 2025: Classes will outline their creative ideas, including their themes, materials, and messaging, and receive mentorship from educators and environmental experts associated with Impact Earth.
March 14, 2025: Deadline to register for the Challenge.
March 28, 2025: Final project submission deadline. Classes will submit their completed art projects for judging based on creativity, environmental messaging, and collaboration.
May 7, 2025: Student Action Environmental Fair. GROW Challenge projects will be showcased alongside RISE Challenge projects, demonstrating the progression from creative expression to real-world impact. Winners will be announced and honored at the fair.

The GROW Challenge not only fosters environmental awareness but also empowers students to take pride in their contributions to a sustainable future.

For more information, contact Josiah Flores (jflores38@greeleyschools.org)

Grow challenge registration

grow challenge rules

5th Grade - 8th Grade

Four students survey the Poudre River while wading through its waters.

The RISE Challenge with Earth Force

Empowering Middle School Students to Take Action on Natural Hazards

The RISE Challenge engages middle school students in a hands-on learning experience where they research, plan, and implement projects that address local natural hazards. Through a partnership with Earth Force, students receive guidance and resources to develop action plans that could include public awareness campaigns, infrastructure designs, or policy advocacy.

Key Dates:

September 3, 2024: Challenge opens.
September 2024 - February 2025: Groups will outline their goals, strategies, and budgets for an action project that improves their community's resilience against natural hazards. Groups that participate through Impact Earth will receive mentorship support from educators and environmental experts associated with Impact Earth.
March 12, 2025: Deadline to submit student action plans for feedback and implementation approval. All groups that submit action plans for approval are eligible for implementation support up to $1,000.
April 16, 2025: Deadline for five-minute video action story presentations. These videos will be judged by a panel of community experts on innovation, scope & research, stakeholder communication, budget, visuals, and overall community impact. The top 10 finalists will be selected for the final competition.
April 30, 2025: Colorado RISE Summit and Student Showcase. The top 10 Environmental Civic Action Stories will be presented for final competition, with prizes ranging from $300 to $1,000. Student groups will also participate in a reflection panel.
May 7, 2025: Student Action Environmental Fair. RISE Challenge projects will be showcased alongside GROW Challenge projects, with awards presented to the top projects.

The RISE Challenge encourages students to become leaders in their communities, making a tangible impact on local resilience and preparedness.

For more information, contact Josiah Flores (jflores38@greeleyschools.org)

rise challenge registration

rise challenge website

8th 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 Environmental 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 watershed. 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 awarded to winning student projects, empowering them to bring their solutions to life. Mentorship is also available to implementing teams.

Key Dates:

August 30, 2024: Contest opens. Students research their watershed and begin developing their proposals that answer the question: “What can you do to improve your watershed?”
January 5, 2025: Contest entry deadline. Proposals must be submitted by this date to be eligible for the competition.
May 9, 2025: 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 environmental issues and strengthen their proposals by booking workshops and field experiences through the Poudre Learning Center. To schedule, click the 'Workshop Request' button below.

Caring For Our Watersheds raises awareness of environmental issues and empowers students to make a direct impact on the health and sustainability of their local ecosystems.

For more information, contact Ivonne Morales (imorales4@greeleyschools.org) or visit CaringForOurWatersheds.com

Teacher registration

Workshop request