Local students explore STEM and sustainability through YSU-supported pollinator garden

Youngstown State University’s College of STEM partnered with South Side Academy during the 2025–2026 academic year to provide students with a hands-on learning experience focused on environmental stewardship and community engagement through the creation of a pollinator garden at the Williamson Innovation Park.

Students in grades K-8 participated in classroom STEM activities and educational field trips designed to introduce them to the importance of pollinators, native plants and basic gardening practices.

“I enjoyed the trip and learning about the basics of starting plants and a garden,” said Mi’shyia Claytor, an eighth grader at South Side Academy. “I really found joy in gardening.”

Throughout the project, students explored potential careers in horticulture while actively contributing to the planning, research, design and installation of the garden. Students worked alongside YSU and South Side Academy staff to bring the project to life.

“Using the Design Process in education gives students a structured pathway to identify problems, develop solutions, test ideas and continuously improve their thinking,” said Daniel Rauschenbach, director of South Side Academy STEAM. “Through our partnership with Youngstown State University, South Side Academy is providing students with engaging STEAM learning experiences that connect Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics to real-world challenges.”

The partnership reflects YSU’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and STEM outreach throughout the Mahoning Valley. By creating meaningful educational experiences outside the traditional classroom, projects like the pollinator garden help inspire the next generation of environmental leaders, scientists and innovators.

“By encouraging curiosity, creativity, collaboration and innovation, STEAM education helps students discover their passions while building the skills they need to succeed in school, careers and life,” Rauschenbach emphasized. “This is an important step forward for all our students in Youngstown.”