Waterschool USA Celebrates Successful 2026 Programs

EAST ALTON - The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC℠), a division of Lewis and Clark Community College, is celebrating a successful 2026 Waterschool USA summer season that connected middle school, high school and young adult learners with water science, wildlife and outdoor exploration.

From June through July, NGRREC educators partnered with Lewis and Clark Community College TRIO Upward Bound, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's East St. Louis Center TRIO Upward Bound, the Madison County Regional Office of Education STEM Camp, Lewis and Clark Community College's College for Kids and L&C YouthBuild to provide immersive environmental learning experiences.

Over the course of the summer, students investigated aquatic macroinvertebrates, Illinois water systems, cave ecology, the water cycle, bird migration and the Mississippi Flyway. They practiced field methods, created cyanotype prints, explored regional habitats, met live birds and built confidence through guided paddling experiences.

"Waterschool gives students the opportunity to experience science as something active, local and connected to their own lives," Waterschool USA Program Manager Jolena Pang said. "We want young people to see themselves as scientists and stewards and to understand that water connects their communities with wildlife, the landscape and the entire Mississippi River watershed."

The summer began with four program days for Lewis and Clark Community College TRIO Upward Bound students. Participants identified aquatic macroinvertebrates, investigated Illinois water systems and explored bird ecology and the Mississippi Flyway.

The experience included cyanotype printing and a live bird presentation from the World Bird Sanctuary, giving students an up-close look at native birds and the habitats that support them. The program culminated in a canoe paddling experience on Piasa Creek led by experienced guides from Big Muddy Adventures.

On June 10, Waterschool partnered with the Madison County Regional Office of Education STEM Camp for a one-day program introducing students to local water science through hands-on water quality investigations.

During the week of June 22, students from SIUE East St. Louis Center TRIO Upward Bound focused on aquatic macroinvertebrates, Illinois cave ecology, watersheds and the water cycle.

Students sampled and identified aquatic organisms, created cyanotype prints and investigated how water moves through aboveground and underground systems. A highlight of the program was a guided field experience at Illinois Caverns State Natural Area, where students explored the connections among water, geology and cave ecosystems. For many participants, it was their first opportunity to enter and investigate a cave environment.

From July 13-16, middle school students participating in Lewis and Clark Community College's College for Kids Camp Waterschool explored local rivers through stream investigations, creative activities and outdoor adventures. Campers examined aquatic habitats and considered how their individual choices can make a positive difference within their watershed and community. The week concluded with a guided canoe experience.

The summer season concluded with Lewis and Clark YouthBuild from July 20-23. YouthBuild students took part in Waterschool's combination of hands-on field science, environmental education and stewardship while exploring the waterways and ecosystems of the Great Rivers region.

Funders Make Student Experiences Possible

The 2026 Waterschool summer season was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of the Swarovski Foundation, Ameren Illinois and the American Water Charitable Foundation.

Waterschool received $10,000 in support from Ameren Illinois and a $17,850 Water and Environment grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation to support Waterschool Summer Programs. Together, those awards provided $27,850 in complementary 2026 support for student programming.

That investment built upon the Swarovski Foundation's decade of support for Waterschool USA at NGRREC. The Swarovski Foundation helped launch the first U.S.-based Swarovski Foundation Waterschool project at NGRREC in 2016 and has supported the program's continued growth, helping establish a lasting foundation for water education in the Mississippi River watershed.

Together, these funders helped provide transportation, meals and snacks, field equipment, educational supplies, live wildlife programming, guided paddling experiences and other direct student resources. Their support reduced financial and logistical barriers while allowing students to participate in meaningful environmental experiences that would otherwise be difficult for many youth-serving programs to provide.

"We cannot thank the Swarovski Foundation, Ameren Illinois and the American Water Charitable Foundation enough for believing in Waterschool and in the young people we serve," Pang said. "The Swarovski Foundation's decade of investment gave Waterschool USA the foundation and stability to grow at NGRREC, while this year's generous support from Ameren Illinois and the American Water Charitable Foundation placed resources directly into student experiences."

"Their support meant that students could enter a cave for the first time, meet live birds, investigate living streams, create art through natural processes, and canoe on their local waterways," Pang added. "These are the kinds of experiences that can shape how a young person understands and cares for their community for years to come."

NGRREC also extends its appreciation to the educators, guides, partner program staff, students and families who contributed to the summer's success, including the teams at Lewis and Clark Community College TRIO Upward Bound, SIUE East St. Louis Center TRIO Upward Bound, Madison County Regional Office of Education, College for Kids, L&C YouthBuild, World Bird Sanctuary and Big Muddy Adventures.

"These programs demonstrate what can happen when funders, educators and community organizations work together to expand access to high-quality environmental education," Pang said. "Every partner brought something important to the experience, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the summer possible."

For more information about Waterschool USA and other educational programs offered by NGRREC, contact Jolena Pang at [email protected] or (314) 803-9007.

About Waterschool USA

Waterschool USA is dedicated to enhancing water literacy and empowering communities to protect vital freshwater resources. Through school programs, educator workshops, summer camps and field experiences, Waterschool helps learners understand the essential human connection to healthy river ecosystems and inspires them to take positive action within their communities.

National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC℠)

Founded in 2002 as a collaborative partnership between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Lewis and Clark Community College, NGRREC is dedicated to the study of great river systems and the communities that use them. The center aspires to be a leader in scholarly research, education and outreach related to the interconnectedness of large rivers, their floodplains, watersheds and associated communities. To learn more about NGRREC, visit www.ngrrec.org.