Tulare Lake Project-Based Learning Program

The Summer Project-Based Learning (PBL) Program equips high school students with the knowledge, skills, and support systems needed to explore and address climate change, environmental health, and environmental justice issues in the Tulare Lake Basin.

Each summer, students from neighboring rural communities come together for a hands-on, in-person learning experience, guided by graduate student mentors and local subject-matter professionals. Through real-world projects, students examine the environmental challenges impacting their own communities, and learn how to be part of the solution.

Length: 4 weeks

Format: In-person, hands-on learning, guided by local expert mentors

Focus Areas:

  • water quality

  • air quality

  • climate change

  • environmental justice

  • regenerative land stewardship

Program Overview

The curriculum blends lectures, workshops, field trips, art, guest speakers, and collaborative group projects. Students spend the first part of the program building foundational knowledge and skills, then apply what they’ve learned through team-based projects that reflect real environmental challenges in the Tulare Lake Basin.

The program concludes with student-led capstone project presentations, where participants share their findings and ideas with peers, educators, and community stakeholders.

Since its launch in 2015, the Tulare Lake Project-Based Learning (PBL) Program has continued to grow and evolve in response to student feedback, community needs, and ongoing environmental challenges in the region.

Past Program Themes

2015
Groundwater

2016
Water Quality & Supply

2017
SGMA & Arsenic Remediation

2018
Climate Change & Public Health

2019
Arsenic Remediation

2021
Regenerative Agriculture (HYBRID)

2022
Climate Change: Air, Water, & Land with USC

2023
Floods & Droughts in the Tulare Basin

2024
Agrivoltaics, MLRP

2025
AAES, MLRP

Program Leadership

Dezaraye
Bagalayos

Carla
Vasquez

Destiny
Hernandez

A collaboration of care in creation of regional climate education programming that roots our young people in their land, water, and skyscapes.

Program

Partners

Throughout The Years

“I am looking forward to learning a lot in this program about the air we breathe and the water we drink. Also, how much of an impact we, the people, can make in this world”

-12th Grade Student

“The three main things I liked about the summer program were the interactions with people, the amount of knowledge that was gained, and finally the chance to make friends with people outside your community”

-10th Grade Student

“Three things that could change in the summer program are having more classroom space, more in-person talks, and finally more hands-on projects”

-10th Grade Student

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Incoming 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students from rural communities in and around the Tulare Lake Basin are encouraged to apply. Space is limited each summer.

  • The program runs for 4–5 weeks during the summer.

    In Summer 2025, sessions were held Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, from July 9–July 11.

  • There is no cost to participate.

    Each student receives a stipend for completing the program.

  • Last years sessions were held in person at the Allensworth Community Center. Field trips may take place at sites throughout the Tulare Lake Basin.

  • Students participate in a mix of:

    • Hands-on workshops and experiments

    • Guest lectures from scientists and community leaders

    • Fieldwork and site visits

    • Team-based projects addressing real environmental challenges

    The program concludes with student-led capstone presentations shared with peers and community partners

    • Gain hands-on experience addressing real-world environmental challenges

    • Receive mentorship from graduate students and environmental professionals

    • Develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills

    • Deepen understanding of environmental justice issues within their communities

    • Earn a stipend for successful participation in the program

    • Completed a capstone project demonstrating knowledge and impact

  • The Tulare Lake PBL Program supports APA’s mission by empowering youth, strengthening community knowledge, and advancing environmental justice and climate resilience in the Tulare Lake Basin.

Interested in Joining?

Applications typically open in May, and space is limited.

If you have any questions or would like to sign up, please contact Carla Vasquez

Carla Vasquez