The Youth CAUSE Workshop Series is a STEM education initiative designed to engage middle/high school students in hands-on, real-world scientific research around climate science and urban sustainability during Summer 2025. The series consists of three two-week workshops in field research, coding, and data science, aimed at developing problem-solving and technical skills among youth in New Hanover County. Participants engage in interest-driven projects that directly impact our region.
Field Research (June 23 – July 3): Students explore the natural environment while practicing scientific observation, developing research questions, collecting and analyzing data. Topics include greenspace analysis, water/soil quality analysis and more.
Computer Science (July 7 – 18): Students gain hands-on coding experience, creating interactive games before designing and building their own app. This week emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving, essential soft skills for success in both academic settings and the tech industry. This workshop features field trips to partners in the fintech industry such as Live Oak Bank.
Data Science (July 21 – August 1): Participants develop data analysis skills by working with online databases, applying math concepts, and conducting research on topics such as community health and climate science. This workshop includes a field trip to NC State University.
The series concludes with a community open house, where students present their research projects. This event reinforces our mission of empowering the next generation of scientific thinkers and helps students practice effective communication of scientific research, an essential skill for future success.
Workshops will host 15-20 participants, with the goal of inspiring youth to explore STEM careers and share their learning experiences. Students from our current afterschool programs and from partner NHC schools will be invited to apply as well as new interested students in the community.
This project advances our mission of making high quality STEM education equitable and accessible to all with a target of 75% of participants being girls and 80% coming from scientifically at-risk backgrounds. The goals of this project will be measured through demographic data and qualitative pre and post surveys. We will assess student interest in various STEM concepts as well as confidence in different STEM disciplines.
This program aligns with the Endowment’s education priorities by building engagement, critical thinking, and STEM skill development. It enhances the NC curriculum by applying concepts in real-world contexts and prepares students for careers in tech and research. The tech industry is expected to grow significantly in our region and developing a local talent pool is crucial. Our program exposes students to career pathways and increases student interest in STEM fields, ensuring they develop the skills necessary for success in the evolving workforce.