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University of Montevallo/STEMMing The Tide

Alabama

Grant amount:

$5,000

The Alabama Youth Action for Sustainability Summit (AL-YASS) is a statewide youth environmental research and leadership initiative engaging middle and high school students in place-based, solutions-

oriented environmental inquiry. In partnership with Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists (YLACES), AL-YASS provides structured teacher mentorship and authentic research experiences focused on local environmental resilience challenges. Our inaugural summit hosted 50 students and 13 teachers, and strong educator demand and positive evaluation outcomes position us to expand for 2026. We are requesting $5,000 in new funding, combined with reallocation of $1,761.15 in existing YLACES-supported funds, to increase participation to 75 students and approximately 20 teachers at the May 16–17, 2026 Student Research Symposium at Camp McDowell.

AL-YASS operates through a year-long model integrating teacher professional development, student-led research, youth leadership growth, and a culminating public research presentation. Students investigate local environmental challenges such as air quality, flooding, biodiversity, and sustainable practices, collecting and analyzing data before presenting findings to peers and STEM professionals. The majority of requested funds will directly support lodging and travel to ensure access regardless of school financial capacity. In addition, members of the leadership team will co-present the AL-YASS model with YLACES at the AAPS CAPS 2026 Virtual Conference and prepare a publication documenting outcomes, further amplifying student voices locally and regionally. Projected 2026 impact includes 75 student researchers, 20 teacher mentors, and 30–40 STEM professionals and community representatives, strengthening

environmental literacy, research confidence, and civic engagement across participating schools.

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About YLACES:

Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists assists and rewards the implementation of inquiry-based, experiential science education where students do science and contribute to the understanding of our environment through recognition and financial reward programs.

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Grants range from equipment and supplies for taking environmental measurements to recognition and support for students presenting their research projects and working for pervasive inclusion of student research projects in science teaching. 

Notice of Non-Discrimination:

YLACES does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status, source of income, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or retaliation in the administration of its programs or activities, as is required by applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders. It is the policy of YLACES to support organizations, projects, and programs that do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other legally protected characteristics. YLACES does not knowingly award grants to organizations that discriminate in their hiring, those they accept as volunteers, or the clients they serve. YLACES seeks to accommodate all who need support to the maximum extent possible.

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YLACES is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning the non-discrimination requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and other applicable federal non-discrimination laws, including, but not limited to, Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 and 40 C.F.R. Part 7.

 

If you have any questions about this notice or any of YLACES’ nondiscrimination programs, policies, or procedures, you may contact:

Dixon Butler

President, Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists

1920 Quincy Street, NW

Washington, DC 20011

(202) 302-0302

dixon@ylaces.org

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© 2026 by Youth Learning As Citizen Environmental Scientists.

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