"Project Splash" is a 24-month project targeting middle school students (grades 7-9) from predominately immigrant and refugee backgrounds. Although numerous partnerships are highlighted throughout the proposal, the main partnerships include the University of Massachusetts Lowell, the Lowell Heritage State Park, the Lowell Housing Authority, the New England Board of Higher Education AQUA Educators' Network, GEARUP, Salem State College, Lowell High School, the New England Aquarium, and Lowell's Youth Leaders, the River Ambassadors. Two cohorts of 25 youth (a total of 50 students) will participate in after school and summer academic activities. Activities will link culture and science through hands-on environmental experiences with science leaders and cultural representatives. Students will participate in "Project Splash" two hours a day twice a week during the academic year and summer. Transportation will be provided to all program activities.
