National Great Rivers Research and Education Center
Empowering the next generation of river stewards through hands on water education in the Mississippi River watershed
The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is a leading U.S. institution dedicated to advancing understanding of large river systems, their watersheds, and the communities that rely on them. Through scientific research, education programmes, and community engagement, NGRREC strengthens environmental stewardship and supports informed decision making to protect freshwater resources for future generations.
The Earth is standing at the brink of a water crisis. Safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene are still out of reach for billions and 2.4 billion people live in water-stressed countries while 81% of species dependent on inland wetlands have declined since 1970.
Water education will play a critical role in solving this crisis and preparing the next generation of water experts, policymakers, and informed citizens, each of which will contribute to water-related decision-making in social, cultural, and economic spheres of human activity. Research shows there is a lack of knowledge about water resources and their processes among children and adults in the United States.
Sourced by NGRREC, 2025
Since 2016, the Swarovski Foundation has partnered with NGRREC to deliver Waterschool USA, an immersive water literacy program reaching students and educators throughout the Mississippi River watershed. Through hands-on environmental learning, both in the classroom and on the river, the partnership builds water knowledge, expands equitable access to STEM education, and inspires communities to protect their local freshwater ecosystems.
Images courtesy of NGRREC
At the Swarovski Foundation, we take pride in supporting organisations like Room to Read that empower girls and women.
In the last 1-year funding cycle, the project achieved
2183
students directly reached
This also included
149
educators trained
Across 45 programs and events,
243
instructional hours were also delivered.
Waterschool USA, delivered in partnership with NGRREC, achieved significant progress towards environmental education impact. The programme delivered distinct learning experiences resulting in 2,183 students directly engaged across 40 partner schools, reaching students across a wide socioeconomic spectrum. Educator capacity building expanded significantly, along with 89 curriculum/activity kits distributed to support long-term integration of water literacy.
Post training evaluations demonstrated strong outcomes: 95% of educators reported the Waterschool kits were easy to incorporate into lessons, 96% felt more able to positively impact their community, and action readiness (knowing what to do about environmental issues) increased by 13 percentage points. Student learning outcomes were similarly high. Across post event surveys (n = 613), 96% learned more about local water or watershed issues, 92% improved understanding of water quality and testing, 89% felt more connected to their environment, and 98% reported at least one significant gain in water knowledge or watershed connection.
These results demonstrate meaningful shifts in awareness, scientific literacy, and environmental connection—key predictors of future stewardship behaviours. Beyond knowledge gains, the program generated tangible community level impact through youth led action projects such as raingarden installations, riverbank clean-ups, green infrastructure tours, and waste reduction initiatives. These activities translate classroom learning into visible, local environmental improvements, strengthening civic efficacy and embedding water stewardship within participants’ communities.
Waterschool opened my eyes to the outdoors. I loved getting into the river and learning how water works overall—it was really fun!
Raushad Poindexter Waterschool USA participant
A powerful example of Waterschool USA’s impact comes from the TRIO Upward Bound cohort who attended Camp Waterschool in summer 2025. Many of these students come from communities facing significant economic and educational challenges, yet the program gave them their first direct, hands‑on experience with the Mississippi River. Over four intensive days, participants conducted water‑quality testing, explored floodplain ecosystems, learned about local water infrastructure, and concluded their program with a canoe expedition at the river confluence. Students described the experience as transformative, deepening their connection to their environment and strengthening their belief in their ability to shape their community’s future.
