The Geosciences Students Excelling in Real, Vital Investigations with Community Engagement (GEO SERVICE) program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette aims to increase awareness and interest in geoscience careers among 8th-12th grade and undergraduate students. Funded by the NSF GEOPAths STEM Education Grant Program, GEO SERVICE addresses the gap in student exposure to geoscience pathways through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Our program targets 8th-12th grade and early undergraduate students, engaging them in research-based, community-focused Service-Learning Projects (SLPs) that address local environmental challenges, such as coastal wetland loss and flooding in south Louisiana and areas along the gulf coast. These projects are designed to foster sustained interest in STEM careers by providing practical, career-relevant experiences. Participants in the program collaborate with university faculty, graduate students, undergraduate and community mentors to analyze diverse datasets and apply geospatial technologies. For instance, during the "Rising Waters" summer workshop, 8th-12th grade students learn about remote sensing techniques and urbanization effects on flooding through activities like kite-based data collection, flying drones and their sensors, and Landsat satellite imagery analysis. The workshop culminated in students creating digital Story Maps that integrated their findings, which were presented to their peers. The GEO SERVICE program not only equips students with essential skills such as data interpretation, effective communication, and project planning but also aims to improve geoscience literacy among diverse communities. By creating a bridge from middle and high school to college, the program seeks to increase the number of students pursuing geoscience majors and careers, thus addressing future workforce needs in STEM fields. This presentation will highlight the program's structure, activities, and initial outcomes, demonstrating the impact of community-engaged learning on student recruitment and retention in geosciences. Our evaluation of the past three summer workshops will inform future iterations, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with educational and workforce demands.  ract content goes here

The GEO SERVICE program, supported by the NSF GEOPAths STEM Education Grant, aims to inspire and prepare the next generation of geoscientists through immersive, community-focused service-learning projects. Targeting 8th-12th grade and early undergraduate students, our program addresses local environmental issues such as coastal wetland loss and flooding in south Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast, fostering sustained interest in STEM careers through practical, career-relevant experiences. Central to our approach is the integration of hands-on learning with real-world applications. For instance, the "Rising Waters" summer workshop engages students in remote sensing and urbanization studies using kites, drones, and satellite imagery. Students develop digital Story Maps, honing skills in data interpretation, communication, and project planning. These activities enhance geoscience literacy and empower students to present their findings to peers and community members, reinforcing their understanding and engagement. The Regional Application Center’s Natural Disaster Geospatial Data Mining Workshop further supports our educational mission by promoting spatial literacy and workforce readiness. These workshops connect students with industry experts and provide hands-on training, eld experience, and internship placements, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice. Our outreach initiatives include interactive educational tools and activities, such as the NASA AEROKATS kite and STELLA program, which teach students about geoscience concepts through active learning and data collection. Programs like Fly High 4 Geo, tailored to diverse cultural and geographical contexts, further our goal of promoting geographic education. Through collaborations, we are able to offer personalized learning experiences, making geoscience relevant and engaging for students from various backgrounds. This presentation will highlight the structure, activities, and outcomes of our programs, demonstrating their impact on student recruitment and retention in geosciences. By addressing workforce needs and improving geoscience literacy, we aim to bridge the gap from education to careers in STEM elds, contributing to a more informed and skilled geoscience workforce.