The Next Generation of Environmental Leaders

In 8th grade, students immerse themselves in DEEP (Designing Engineering Excellence Program), a signature St. Matthew’s middle school program that challenges them to think like scientists, engineers, and advocates. Through hands-on research, design, and experimentation, they investigate how human activity shapes the environment and what we can do about it. 

To kick off this transformative experience, students participated in a field trip to AltaSea, a world-class research and innovation hub dedicated to ocean sustainability. This field trip gives students a special inside look at cutting-edge marine science, conservation efforts, and engineering innovations aimed at mitigating human impact on our planet. Students engage with scientists, engineers, and environmental leaders who are tackling some of the most pressing environmental challenges today.

This visit to AltaSea is more than just an opportunity to learn; it’s a firsthand look at how marine science and engineering are being applied to solve real-world environmental challenges. Engaging with experts who are actively working to protect and restore marine ecosystems made students reflect on the role they can play in driving change through our own research and innovations.

Throughout the program, students investigate pressing environmental issues from plastic pollution and habitat destruction to overfishing and climate change, and use engineering and scientific principles to design and prototype real solutions. They conduct structured experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with professionals in marine science, environmental policy, and engineering to refine their work. The program culminates in students presenting their findings and sharing them with a broader audience, building not just knowledge, but a genuine sense of responsibility for the world around them.

“As the Class of 2025 develops their DEEP projects, you can feel their excitement and eagerness to dive deeper into their own questions about the ocean, design meaningful experiments, and develop solutions to the environmental issues that matter to them,” shared Jonathan Capone, Middle School Maker & Innovation Specialist.  

Their experience at AltaSea sets the stage for their journey, sparking new ideas, broadening our perspectives, and equipping them with the knowledge to take action. This program not only challenges students to think critically and problem-solve, but also empowers them to recognize their ability to create meaningful change. 

Interested in learning more about how St. Matthew’s creates transformative experiences for students? Contact us to schedule a tour and discover what makes our community so special.