1. Empowering Youth: From Learners to Leaders through Community Asset Mapping Erin Boyd, University of Arizona 16 th Annual Arizona Space Grant Consortium Symposium April 18, 2009

2. Acknowledgements Pascua Yaqui Tribe –Intel Computer Clubhouse Youth –Mario Valencia, Coordinator United Way UA Office of Arid Lands Studies –Arizona Remote Sensing Center –Dr. Barron Orr, Mentor –Kristin Wisneski, Graduate Student –Jennifer Stanley, Lila Burgos and Stefanie Woodward, Space Grant Interns Office of Arid Lands Studies

3. Background What is ‘youth-driven community asset mapping’? Civic engagement Last year’s transportation project The Amazing Rez Race

4. Statement of the Problem Close the large gap between youth and environment –Pascua Yaqui have traditions tied to the environment –History has contributed to a more urban experience, particularly among PY youth Tortuga Ranch –Purchased by PY in part to establish natural areas –20,000(?) acres 15 miles west of New Pascua The Challenge –Ranching across generations –Non-utilization of the tribe’s natural resources –Limited experience and expertise

5. Objectives Empower youth in multiple ways, leading them to: –Identify their concerns/isssue –Learn methods/tools to address there issue –Conduct research (data collection, analysis, interpretation) –Present results to civic leaders Reconnect the youth to their roots in the environment –Through technology and hands-on experience Incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) –Ecology, Range management, GIS, Planning, etc.

6. Conceptual Approach Youth-driven Community Asset Mapping Civic EngagementSTEM Learning NASA Data (context) Training (Treasure Hunt) Skills - Technology STEM – Behind Technology Problem Solving Presentation GIS (Data analysis) Issue/Question Identification

7. Methods We facilitate the process, but youth drive it We train the trainers! –Four “young adult” leaders We introduce tools in response to needs: –Global Positioning System (GPS) –Geographic Information Systems (GIS) –NASA imagery (via Google Maps and Earth) Motivation comes from the youth themselves: –Amazing Rez Race II –Empire Ranch field trip –Initial field trip to Tortuga Ranch

8. Youth Devised a Research Plan

9. Youth Obtained Field Experience Opportunity to visit a working ranch Run by Mac Donaldson, whose father once ranched the Tortuga Jeff Williamson, Phoenix Zoo helped teach basic ecology Youth had first-hand field experience. Empire Ranch, Sonoita, AZ Photo courtesy of the Pascua Yaqui Clubhouse

10. Youth Obtained Field Experience Visited Tortuga Ranch for the 1 st time Youth were able to see first-hand the problems the ranch faces Initial Tortuga Ranch Field Visit Photo courtesy of the Pascua Yaqui Clubhouse

11. Next Steps Tortuga Ranch project is ongoing & will continue in the summer NRCS Student Reports One week field camp

12. Thank you! The Satellite Krew: Ashley, Maribel, Albert, Dominic, Issac, Michael, Estephan, Mario, Gilbert, Juan, Melissa, Astrid, Martin The Satellite Krew