Greening STEM Projects
Hands-on environmental investigations that make STEM relevant and connected to young people's lives.
making STEM learning local
NEEF’s Greening STEM projects engage youth in hands-on STEM activities on public lands of all sizes—from creeks and canyons to prairies and mountains. NEEF works with community partners, educators, and land management agencies to create learning experiences that connect students with real-world environmental challenges. By making STEM learning local, these projects equip young people with the skills and curiosity to explore, protect, and shape the world around them.
Explore our interactive StoryMap to see how Greening STEM connects communities across the country through place-based learning rooted in local environments.

Successful Greening STEM Projects
Greening STEM projects provide authentic learning experiences that deepen learning while reinforcing a sense of belonging and pride in the local environment.

Students from Central High School in Grand Junction, Colorado, discovered the rugged beauty in their backyard while collecting scientific data and learning about the impact of invasive species. NEEF partnered with the Bureau of Land Management and the Colorado Canyon Association to give these students an unforgettable experience.

Students from Benjamin Franklin Middle School (BFMS) in Teaneck, New Jersey, learned about the local watershed through hands-on water quality monitoring and biomonitoring studies in a nearby river. NEEF partnered with Teaneck Creek Conservancy, Samsung, and BFMS to help students make important connections between the health of the river and the community.

Greening STEM Project Gives Students Hands-On Outdoor Experience
Seventh grade students from Bettendorf Middle School in the Quad Cities are spending two weeks restoring and learning about this valuable ecosystem as part of a Greening STEM project supported by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) and Arconic Foundation.
Partner Success Stories
How One NEEF Grant Kickstarted an Idaho Student’s STEM Career
Abella Cathey's journey from One Stone School to Boise State University showcases the power of hands-on...
Bayer Fund Supports Expansion of Greening STEM Projects
Thanks to generous support from Bayer Fund, NEEF announced it will move forward with Phase II of its Greening...
The Lost Carnivores: Using Greening STEM to Connect Students with Local Public Lands
Explore Saguaro National Park's innovative environmental education program, engaging local youth in wildlife...
Quad Cities Students Capture Creativity Through Greening STEM Project
What role do the arts play in STEM learning? Thanks to a partnership between NEEF and Arconic Foundation...
Learn more About Greening STEM
Greening STEM Hub
What is Greening STEM? Learn the approach, who is involved, and find resources to get started.
Greening STEM Success Stories You Can Adapt for Use in Your Classroom
Among the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the few bright spots is that Americans have...
Greening STEM and Inquiry-Based Education
A conversation with Terrence Williams, Principal at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Teaneck, New Jersey...