Project Overview:

The GLISA ELF project is a two-year initiative aimed at fostering youth leadership and peer-learning to support climate adaptation in frontline communities along the West Michigan lakeshore. Focused on Muskegon County, this project is supported by the NOAA GLISA Program and seeks to empower high school and college students through climate change education and community-based research. By integrating climate science, geospatial tools, and mentorship, GLISA ELF will develop a transdisciplinary curriculum and support system for students, teachers, and local communities. The project also focuses on providing pathways for higher education and climate careers, while equipping youth with the skills and confidence to lead climate adaptation efforts in their communities.

Anticipated Outcomes Include:

• New climate change curriculum and courses at Muskegon Community College (MCC)
• A pathway for MCC students to transfer credits to GVSU to study climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency
• New lesson plans and labs for GVSU and MCC students teaching key climate science and adaptation planning concepts
• Internships for MCC and GVSU students at the West Michigan Environmental Action Council
• Training, lesson plans, materials, and professional development credit hours for high-school teachers in Muskegon
• Climate adaptation career events for MCC students
• Mentoring, classroom presentations, and career and college planning events for high-school students

Recent Events

Browse our past events where we led discussions, hosted hands-on activities, and collaborated with educators and students to explore climate resilience solutions and inspire meaningful change.

Showing of "Climate Sisu: The Stories of Climate Resilience from Northern Michigan" at Muskegon Community College

On November 14th, 2024, the GLISA ELF team visited MCC to showcase a project by our lead-investigator, Elena Liobimtseva. “Climate Sisu” is the first documentary to address climate change and community resiliency in Michigan. Taking the audience on a journey from GVSU campus "Up North" in search of community knowledge about climate action, resilience, adaptation, and education, the documentary offers an urgent, yet optimistic call for climate action. It is a collection of powerful stories told by environmental activists, students, climate scientists, educators, farmers, winemakers, and urban planners, looking for climate change solutions in our state.

GLISA ELF Stakeholders Symposium at Robert B. Annis Water Research Institute/W.G. Jackson

On October 16, 2024, the GLISA ELF project team hosted a stakeholder symposium at the Robert B. Annis Water Research Institute in Muskegon, followed by a cruise on the W.G. Jackson research vessel. The event featured a presentation on "Elevating Youth Leadership and Peer-Learning to Support Climate Adaptation in West Michigan Lakeshore Frontline Communities," with insights from GVSU faculty and experts. Attendees also enjoyed a keynote by Tanya Cabala, West Michigan Environmental Council, on "Finding Your Power: Lessons from a Lifelong Environmental Advocate." The day concluded with a cruise on Muskegon Lake, where AWRI scientists shared their climate education program and research on local environmental challenges.

Educators & Community Luncheon for Climate Change Education

On August 12, 2024, the GVSU GLISA ELF project team hosted a free in-person luncheon at Muskegon Community College, bringing together educators, school administrators, and community leaders. The event aimed to foster collaboration in climate change education, with interactive sessions and discussions on integrating climate resilience into classrooms. Participants learned about the project goals, engaged in peer-to-peer learning, and explored opportunities for field trips, dual enrollment, and mentoring, along with the potential to receive mini-grants and other resources to support classroom initiatives.

Organizers: Eric Carballido, Muskegon Community College, Elena Lioubimtseva, GVSU-Geography and Sustainable Planning, Diane Miller, GVSU-Regional Math and Science Center

Presenters: Rylie Dietz and Rebecca Lubbers, opening remarks by Elena Lioubimtseva

MiCAN EDF Action: 3rd Annual Kayaktivist Event
On June 22, 2024, MiCAN co-sponsored the 3rd Annual Kayaktivist Event at Mill Point Park in Spring Lake, MI, where community members and conservation advocates gathered for a day of action and fun. The event kicked off with inspiring speakers from Grand River conservation partners, local elected officials, and community leaders, followed by a 1-2 hour kayaking excursion on the Grand River. Afterward, attendees enjoyed food, music, and networking at the park pavilion. This event brought together people of all ages to celebrate and raise awareness about environmental conservation along the Grand River.

2024 Mayors’ Grand River Cleanup
On September 7, 2024, our team joined over 500 volunteers at the 21st annual Mayors' Grand River Cleanup, organized by WMEAC. Volunteers removed 11,600 pounds of trash from the river, contributing to the ongoing restoration efforts of the Grand River. We participated in the event alongside local leaders and community members, helping to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our local waterways. A big thank you to everyone who took part in this impactful initiative!

She Innovates She Leads: Inspiring Change for a Sustainable World

On May 18, 2024, GLISA's two student researches joined other college women in STEM fields with participating middle school girls at the She Innovates, She Leads: Inspiring Change for a Sustainable World event at Grand Valley State University’s Innovation Design Center. The day featured empowering talks and interactive workshops, including eight panels where participants could connect with women leaders in STEM, explore sustainable solutions, and gain mentorship. Organized by MISTEM Network, Women in Manufacturing, the Women of Aerospace Industry Association, and Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore, the event inspired young girls to pursue STEM and make a positive impact on the world.