Honeywell, the Valley Community Association (VCA), and Buffalo Urban Outdoor Education (BUOE) have worked in partnership to bring Honeywell Adventures in Environmental Leadership to the South Buffalo community from July through August.
The collaborative program began on July 9 and included two hour-long weekly sessions during VCA’s summer program, aims to stimulate learning about science and the environment. Thirty-five South Buffalo middle-school children through interactive, hands-on curriculum increased their awareness about how actions on land affect local waterways.
As part of the AEL program, the students take two trips aboard BUOE boats, including a three-hour trip on the Spirit of Buffalo for the “Science Afloat!” program (Thursday, August 8) and a two-hour trip on the Stella Blue (Thursday, August 15) covering Buffalo River history, dredging, habitats and water quality testing. Prior to the Buffalo River excursion aboard the Stella Blue on Thursday, August 15, the students received certificates of completion as well as program backpacks.
“The Valley Community Association youth have benefited tremendously from this partnership with Honeywell and Buffalo Urban Outdoor Education that literally connected students with waterways right in their own backyards,” said Lori Overdorf, Valley Community Association Director of Youth Services. “This summer-long program greatly complements our STEM focused education curriculum we provide our students throughout the school year and we hope it further piques their interest in the sciences and the environment.”
“We have been delighted to partner with the Honeywell Adventures in Environmental Leadership Program, facilitating hands-on Great Lakes environmental education for local youth over the summer recess,” said Kate Mini Hilliman, Buffalo Urban Outdoor Education Executive Director. “The BUOE Great Lakes Exploration Program introduces our youth living near urban waterways to a range of issues affecting the Great Lakes and their tributaries through interactive learning experiences. Many thanks to Honeywell, the Valley Community Association, and our young environmental leaders for taking part in this great collaborative program.”
“Honeywell’s Adventures in Environmental Leadership offers middle school students hands-on curriculum to inspire them to get excited about science and their environment,” said Jay Kelly, Honeywell Buffalo Research Laboratory Site Leader. “Working together with the Valley Community Association and BUOE, we have brought together experts to teach children through experimental learning and provided access to local waterways for memorable education.”