Every LCS sixth grader to experience hands-on science learning through James River Association
For the next two years, every Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) sixth grader will have opportunities to connect with local ecosystems through unique educational experiences on the James River. The Appalachian Power Company presented a $70,000 grant from their philanthropic arm, The American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation, to the Lynchburg City Schools Education Foundation (LCSEF) to participate in the James River Association’s (JRA) Environmental Education Program, starting in the fall of 2025.
The James River Environmental Education Program connects youth with river-based STEM learning experiences that inspire confidence, ecological understanding, nature appreciation, and environmental conservation. LCS also received a three-year grant from the AEP Foundation to participate in the program in 2021.
“We’re grateful for this generous gift from the AEP Foundation, which will help us improve the lives of students across Lynchburg through STEM education,” said LCSEF Executive Director Dawn Wise. “Many students have never been to the James River, even though it’s right in their backyards. This program helps them overcome fears, try new things, and discover a love of nature. It’s about science education and increasing SOL scores, but it’s also about exposing students to life-changing opportunities that contribute to their holistic development as people.”
While 75% of LCS sixth graders live within two miles of the James River, many aren’t aware of the rich opportunities it provides to explore the natural world. Many students will kayak for the first time during their trip to the James River. Many will also observe local wildlife for the first time, from various species of fish to the many bald eagles that nest near the river.
“It’s important to us that we continue to build strong relationships in our communities with like-minded organizations,” said Rob Mann, Appalachian Power’s External Affairs Manager for Lynchburg and surrounding areas. “Lynchburg City Schools and its Education Foundation have always done an excellent job of showing the youth in our communities the importance of environmental stewardship and how they play a pivotal role in the future of our region. We’re excited to play a small role in ensuring this program continues to grow and flourish.”
JRA educators will lead sixth graders in conducting abiotic water quality testing, sampling biotic species, and learning about the James River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds. During a day-long field trip to Riveredge Park, every student will have the opportunity to paddle a kayak while taking in the scenic landscape of the James River and downtown Lynchburg.
JRA provides interdisciplinary learning experiences connected to Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL), employing field-based activities to bring complex scientific concepts to life in the context of the James River. Lynchburg Water Resources partners with JRA to teach students about the city’s local water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
“This grant will enable every single LCS sixth grader to experience the James River, in many cases for the first time, without cost. It’s a phenomenal chance for students to get up close and personal with the natural world and learn about how the river supports life in our city, from humans to birds of prey to microscopic organisms,” said JRA Upper James Education Manager Charles Johnson.
Though life-changing, the field trips aren’t the sole component of the program. JRA educators will provide professional development for teachers, equipping them to educate their students with expert knowledge about the James River. They’ll then provide in-class lessons to lay the foundation for field trips on the river. After their field trips, students will work together to complete a stewardship project, which often focuses on community service or environmental restoration, followed by a reflection to review learned concepts.
Next fall, the program will also include a student mentorship component. High school Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science students will act as mentors, helping students gain a deeper understanding of the content they’re learning. This will help high school students sharpen their leadership skills while enhancing the sixth graders’ experience.
“Many of the high school students who will serve as mentors went on this same James River trip when they were in middle school. They’ll remember the impact it had on them and in turn help create meaningful experiences for their mentees,” said LCS Instructional Supervisor Cat Phillips.
The three-year grant LCS previously received from the AEP Foundation in 2021 funded James River experiences for eighth graders and high school students in AP Environmental and Ecology classes. This time, the program will focus on sixth graders to help facilitate their transition into middle school.
“The switch from fifth to sixth grade can be challenging for students, and this program is meant to help jumpstart their transition to middle school and get them excited about the curriculum early. Interacting with older students can help with this and even encourage them to explore more advanced STEM classes in the future.”
For the past eight years, LCS has partnered with JRA to help students discover the real-world applications of what they’re learning in the classroom. Funding from the AEP Foundation through LCSEF will enable students to continue to benefit from the James River Environmental Education Program, creating fun and exciting memories they’ll hold onto for a lifetime.