This year marked the exciting debut of a new student-led project inspired by a unique professional experience—our very own Rebecca Maynard’s journey as a 2024 Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow. Fueled by National Geographic’s call to cultivate an Explorer Mindset in learners of all ages, high school students embraced the challenge of creating meaningful, thought-provoking lessons for younger peers at Fuller and Cameron Middle Schools.

Through thoughtful collaboration and creativity, our high school students designed interactive lessons and activities covering urgent global topics like biodiversity, plastic pollution, water contamination, mining, and coral reef degradation. These projects weren’t assigned—they were imagined and developed by the students themselves. With full creative freedom, they found both purpose and empowerment, realizing they have the ability to drive change and inspire others.

The culmination of their efforts came when they visited the middle schools and brought their lessons to life. The middle school students were not only engaged but deeply inspired by their older peers. It was more than just a teaching moment—it was a powerful exchange of curiosity, empathy, and leadership.

This first year of the project proved to be a meaningful step in nurturing globally minded, environmentally conscious young leaders. We can’t wait to see how this initiative grows in the years to come!