Socio-Environmental Justice
REIGN Youth Environmental Leadership Program
REIGN, Radical Engagement and Involvement with Green Networks, is a year-long after-school program that acts as a catalyst for success for school-age youth, grades 9 - 12, who have an interest in and/or are passionate about environmental social justice issues and natural conservation.
REIGN Makers (students) are guided through a strategically mapped process that includes:
- a design challenge that addresses reducing plastic in our waterways;
- participation in service projects, community events, and youth-led group discussions;
- professional development, networking, and internship opportunities;
- travel to local, national, and international conferences and activities; and
- college preparation and career readiness.
Fifteen REIGN Makers per school are selected through a competitive application process, are connected to a professional mentor, and meet weekly with an Organic Connects Site Instructor for the entirety of the school year, September - May.
The REIGN Makers are the future Green Leaders of the World who are exposed to experiences that prepare them for a professional career in the environmental field while engaging with their community to achieve socio-environmental justice.
Environmental Education
ALIEN CSI (Crash Site Investigation)
ALIEN CSI (Crash Site Investigation)
ALIEN CSI (Crash Site Investigation)
Imagine this...
You're part of an exploratory team of students and during an interplanetary hike your team stumbles upon an alien crash site! You are now competing against time and other teams to determine the who, what, where, and why of the alien beings and their space ship.
"Chemical" testing, code deciphering, and excavating are methods by which your team will answer questions while learning about orienteering and terraforming to navigate your way to survival using only the limited resources your team has to work with.
Upon your successful return to Earth, you now know how to conserve natural resources and take better care of the planet that we live on.
Are you and your youth up for the challenge?
NEO Nu Hydromatic Aquathon
ALIEN CSI (Crash Site Investigation)
ALIEN CSI (Crash Site Investigation)
With funding support from the Cleveland Foundation and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, a collaboration between Organic Connects, Inc. and The National Youth Environmental and Outdoor Challenge bring you the inaugural NEO Nu Hydromatic Aquathon 2020.
(NEO Nu = Northeast Ohio + the Egyptian word for water)
This first annual summer program offers an opportunity for our youth to experience the physical and mental health benefits of engaging with nature through exciting recreational and educational outdoor activities. Water quality testing, aquatic service learning, and kayaking are some of the perks that come with living near one of the largest sources of freshwater in the world - Lake Erie!
NEO Nu strengthens our youth’s bodies and expands their thought process by developing a mind-set that sees beyond limits and motivates youth to become active stewards in the preservation and protection of our local waterways.
Environmental Recreation
URBAN FIELD TRIP EXPERIENCE
The UFTE provides people from urban communities with opportunities to explore natural environments in Ohio. Each exploration involves aspects of environmental science, art, social justice, and thought-provoking group discussions that are engaging and insightful.
The Outdoor Recreation Excursions take place throughout the year and include activities such as hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, canoeing, tent camping, and snow shoeing. Additionally, two Neighborhood Beatification Projects take place in the Spring and Fall and include activities like tree plantings, community clean-ups, and invasive species removal.
The Urban Field Trip Existence is open to all urban community members! Families, residents, and subject matter exerts of all ages are encouraged to join in as participants or Project Leader Volunteers.
