Fourteen high school students spent their summer tackling some of the St. Johns River’s biggest environmental challenges through real-world advocacy projects. As participants in St. Johns RIVERKEEPER’s inaugural Lynda L. Orth Next Wave Leadership Academy, these students gained the knowledge and confidence to become the next generation of environmental advocates. Created to empower students through hands-on learning and leadership development, Next Wave prepares participants to become lifelong stewards of the St. Johns River.
The academy began with an introduction to the heart of the program: the St. Johns River. During the first weeks of Next Wave, participants explored the river’s history and ecology. After conducting water quality tests on river water samples and analyzing their findings, they examined the many ways human activities influence the health of the river.
Throughout the summer, they continued exploring how climate change, environmental justice, and nature-based solutions shape the health of the St. Johns. They also developed advocacy skills and learned how scientific knowledge can translate into community action.
To deepen their understanding of these topics, students also learned directly from local leaders in environmental advocacy. Jalicia Lewis of the Jacksonville Climate Coalition facilitated discussions on climate resilience, while Dr. Ashley Johnson of Jacksonville University guided students through equity mapping activities that examined how environmental challenges affect communities differently.
Final Projects: Real-World Advocacy and Environmental Stewardship
Equipped with the knowledge they gained throughout the academy, students worked in teams to design advocacy projects aimed at addressing real challenges facing the St. Johns River and its communities. The program culminated in a project showcase where teams presented their solutions to a panel of environmental professionals representing local nonprofits, academia, and community leadership. Students competed for top honors while demonstrating the research and leadership they developed throughout the summer.
The winning project, Project Microplastics, developed by Neora and Sai, aims to educate the public about microplastic pollution while encouraging community involvement through cleanup and prevention efforts. You can find their website and get involved here: www.projectmicroplastics.org.
The runner-up, Living Shorelines as the Solution, created by Addan and Asim, provides resources to homeowners to start their own living shorelines with native plant recommendations and consulting services. For more information, you can contact them at livingshorelines.nextwave@gmail.com.
Additional student projects explored reducing pollution in local neighborhoods, designing a floating breakwater using VOGs to reduce wave erosion, and developing a plan to phase out failing septic systems.
Testimonials
Students completed the program with new skills, stronger professional networks, and real-world projects for their portfolios. Post-program surveys showed that students and families left the academy with a stronger interest in environmental stewardship and greater confidence in their ability to make a difference in their communities.
While the projects showcased students’ technical knowledge and creativity, another great impact of the academy was the confidence and sense of purpose participants gained along the way.
“I have noticed confidence in my child that, amidst challenges showing up and delivering the commitment, is in itself a winning moment. His confidence in working with a team has increased, and the recognition has motivated him to continue working on his project to bring about awareness and make real time impact in the community.” – Subhadra P. (Parent)
“I just wanted to say thanks for the amazing summer you gave us. I have to admit I was so nervous to join the program at first, but then I realized it was actually quite fun…If you hadn’t given us this opportunity, we wouldn’t have had this chance!” – Asim M. (Student)
“I just wanted to thank you for this fantastic program…[My student] thoroughly enjoyed it and also learned a lot from you all. From just thinking and talking about the issues, he has moved on to look for solutions.” – Seema S. (Parent)
As the inaugural class comes to a close, it is clear that the future of the St. Johns River is brighter because passionate young people are stepping forward to protect it. By serving as the first Next Wave cohort, these students have laid the foundation for a program that will inspire future generations of environmental leaders. We can’t wait to see how these students continue to advocate and create positive change for the St. Johns River long after the academy concludes.
Join the Next Wave of River Advocates: 2027
Interested in joining the next cohort? Learn more or submit an interest form.