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Through a year-long Changemakers Project, middle school students at State College Friends School explored important issues, conducted research, and took meaningful action to raise awareness and invite community engagement.

This week buzzed with energy as our Kindergarten/1st Grade and 4th/5th Grade students joined forces for a memorable trip to the State College Food Bank. The visit supported our 4th and 5th graders’ work with United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal #2: Zero Hunger, and helped our Kindergarten and 1st graders explore their big question: Locally, how is our food grown and distributed?

Our 4th and 5th graders set sail on the historic Lady Maryland to explore the Chesapeake Bay watershed, diving into hands-on science, sustainability, and environmental discovery. From testing water quality to meeting Mr. Trash Wheel, students gained real-world insights they’ll now use to lead their own projects aimed at protecting local waterways.

Middle school students traveled to Washington, D.C. and partnered with the Friends Committee on National Legislation to lobby for SNAP and Medicaid benefits. Through workshops, meetings with lawmakers, and visits to historic sites, the students gained a deeper understanding of civic engagement and the power of their voices in democracy.

Middle school students at State College Friends School designed a sustainable version of the State College area, focusing on key environmental topics such as energy, transportation, waste, food systems, and water management. Through research and collaboration, they proposed innovative solutions inspired by real-world sustainable cities, such as biofuel-powered buses, methane-to-energy systems, rooftop gardens, and solar and wind energy. They presented their ideas in a gallery walk and emphasized that while sustainable infrastructure may have upfront costs, it pays off in the long run. Their top recommendations for a greener State College include expanding bike paths, clean public transit, rooftop gardens, and renewable energy—all aimed at reducing emissions and building a healthier, more sustainable community.