UWA Black Belt STEM Education Institute

The Alabama–Yass Academic and Cultural Exchange for Sustainability (AL-YASS) seeks a $5,000 YLACES Grant to host the second annual AL-YASS Sustainability Symposium at Camp McDowell. Building on the success of our inaugural event—which brought together 50 students and 13 teachers for immersive, place-based sustainability learning—we aim to expand participation in 2026 to 75 students and 20 teachers from across our partner schools. 

The Symposium will provide hands-on environmental education experiences, collaborative workshops, and cross-cultural dialogue centered on sustainable practices, leadership, and community impact. Grant funding will support program materials, instructional facilitators, venue costs, and scholarships to ensure equitable access for all participating schools. Participants will benefit through meaningful professional development for educators and authentic research and presentation opportunities for students. Teachers will engage in sustainability-focused workshops that strengthen interdisciplinary instruction, deepen environmental literacy, and provide practical strategies they can implement in their classrooms. Students will conduct research projects addressing real-world sustainability challenges, collaborate with peers and mentors, and present their findings in a formal symposium setting—building confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills. 

By expanding both student and teacher participation, the second annual AL-YASS Sustainability Symposium will cultivate a growing network of sustainability leaders equipped to drive lasting change in their schools and communities.