Stephanie Goebel

Goebel’s creative teaching program, “Great Lakes Marine Debris Prevention Program,” is a part of The Posen Great Lakes Marine Debris Prevention Program that was established in the 2023-2024 school year and has been the longest running Place-Based Stewardship Education initiative for and at the school. Rooted in hands-on learning and student voice, the program empowers students to investigate and remove marine debris while learning to make better personal decisions in regard to their impact on the environment. Beginning in their own backyard along Lake Huron in Northeastern Michigan, students will continue to conduct shoreline and tributary marine debris cleanup projects while compiling data to track amounts and location of marine debris. Students will continue their work with environmental conservation groups and educators to evaluate and improve upon the marine debris issue. According to Goebel, students have collected over 7,000 pieces of marine debris to date and aim to grow that number over time. Students have also engaged in field experiences on Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, extending their education and outreach regionally. Goebel will use the Voya grant to purchase supplies for the community clean up events, clean up station construction, and all of the expenses related to student stewardship field experiences.