Youth Lead the Way is a National Science Foundation-funded project to employ youth (ages 16-22) from frontline communities to work in paid positions as purveyors of climate science, develop communication and leadership skills, and engage in timely conversations with members of the public about climate change impacts in their own communities.

The youth will work in small groups to develop a “climate story” based in personal narrative and current climate science as a way to raise public understanding and awareness about local climate impacts. They will also act as advisors and colleagues in numerous climate-centric OMSI exhibit and program development projects. To support youth in building skills for success in both these roles, numerous trainings will be held on climate impact, science communication, research methods, storytelling, and leadership skills. 

This grant-funded project hopes to develop a successful model of a Youth Advisory Research Board that can be developed in other museums around the country. The youth hired will also train and participate in the research and evaluation work on this program.