In an effort to broaden students' awareness and understanding of water and environmental sciences, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Commissioner Yumeka Brown launched a Youth Environmental Summit (YES) program on March 22 at CICS Prairie, 11530 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL. 

Students from Burnham Elementary, CICS Prairie, and Pullman—schools in Commissioner Brown’s childhood neighborhood of Roseland/Pullman—were invited to participate in the inaugural event. Student ambassadors from Wendell Phillips High School provided program support.

MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis, and MWRD President Kari K. Steele’s representative John Joiner joined Commissioner Brown in speaking to students. Other featured presenters included Lolita Thompson, Principal Civil Engineer, MWRD; Treana Johnson, Director, Urban Transformation, Metro Farm; Hannah Henderson, Program Manager, Current; Dale Landmann, Community Sampling Coordinator, and Amy Baldwin, community partner.

“I was honored to launch the YES Program and witness firsthand the excitement and engagement of the students,” said Commissioner Brown. “Providing hands-on learning experiences and direct mentorship opportunities is essential to inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders. By connecting students with professionals, we took a meaningful step toward cultivating interest in critical environmental challenges and solutions.”

President Steele, a chemist and environmentalist who also works to educate students about STEM opportunities, said “I applaud Commissioner Brown for her work in the community to educate and introduce young students to the MWRD and water science.  This initiative highlights the MWRD’s unwavering commitment to diversity and education in water and environmental sciences." 

Vice President Flynn summarized the importance of the initiative. “This program embodies MWRD’s mission to educate and inspire young minds about the significance of water and environmental stewardship. Seeing students actively engage with industry professionals and explore potential careers in these fields reaffirms our commitment to fostering the next generation of environmental leaders.”

Students had the opportunity to interact with environmental professionals, gaining invaluable mentorship and exposure to career pathways in the fields of water and environmental sciences.

Other program partners included Powering Chicago, Roseland Hospital, Healthcare Professionals in the Chicagoland Area, and State Farm® Insurance. 

Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis said that “engaging young minds in these critical fields not only inspires future careers but also fosters a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship. I’m proud to support this effort to educate and uplift the next generation.”

The program empowered young minds in the Roseland/Pullman community with the knowledge and resources to pursue careers in these vital fields. Learn more about educational opportunities with the MWRD at www.mwrd.org.