Science isn't for "someone else." It's for everyone.
Street Science: Youth Outreach & Citizen Science
Street Science is our flagship youth program at Cultivating Currents—a teen-centered, citizen-powered science initiative designed to bring discovery, dignity, and data into the hands of young people who’ve been told that science isn’t “for them.”
Whether they’re living on the street, learning at home, or navigating nontraditional education paths, Street Science gives teens the tools and trust they need to explore the world around them—and see themselves as scientists.
We place an extra emphasis on girls in STEM, ensuring that young women have equal access to opportunities, mentors, and role models—while welcoming and empowering all teens to be part of the current.
Two Paths, One Purpose
Street Science:
Community Edition
For: Homeschoolers, microschools, libraries, community groups, and curious teens everywhere
Delivery:
- Dockside workshops
- Classroom and community kits
- Self-guided projects
- Support for science fairs, portfolios, and STEM enrichment
Focus: Encouraging youth—especially girls and underrepresented learners—to discover their place in environmental science, no matter where or how they learn.
Street Science:
Street Edition
For: Homeless, foster, and system-impacted youth
Delivery:
- Pop-up science stations at shelters, outreach hubs, and public parks
- “Crew for a Day” pilots aboard the Living Loop Lab
- Trauma-informed, low-barrier engagement strategies
Focus: Meeting teens with dignity, wonder, and opportunity—showing them that science is a tool for understanding and shaping their futures.
Dignity-Centered Approach
Our Street Edition programming recognizes that every young person deserves access to wonder and discovery, regardless of their housing situation or life circumstances.
We meet teens where they are—literally and emotionally—with trauma-informed practices that prioritize safety, choice, and empowerment.
What Teens Get to Do
Your contribution means a lot – to both of us!
Test Water Quality
Use real citizen science kits to analyze pH, dissolved oxygen, and pollutant levels in local waterways
Explore Microscopic life
Discover algae, plankton, and microplastics under portable microscopes, revealing hidden ecosystems
Contribute Real Data
Collect and share findings that feed into national science networks like NOAA PMN
Tell Science Stories
Document discoveries through photos, video, and creative media to share with the world
Build Confidence
Develop curiosity and STEM skills that open doors to future opportunities
Why Street Science Matters
Science access shouldn’t depend on your zip code, income, or school. By taking science to the docks, parks, shelters, and classrooms where teens already are, Street Science opens doors for a generation of youth—especially girls—to see themselves as environmental leaders.
Because the future of our soil, rivers, and seas needs all of us.
73%
Women under-represented in STEM careers
4M+
Youth experiencing housing instability – limited STEM access
85%
Participants Report increased confidence in science abilities
Impact Beyond Numbers: Street Science participants don’t just learn about water quality—they become advocates for their communities, equipped with both scientific knowledge and the confidence to make their voices heard.