In the summer of 2017, the Open Space Program established the Indigenous Youth STEM Academy (IYSA) at Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve as a way of providing an opportunity for Indigenous youth to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in connection to culture through outdoor education. As Native Americans are one of the most underrepresented groups within STEM careers and among STEM degree-holders, the Open Space Program feels there is a significant need for focused programming with Indigenous youth on these topics.
 
The three primary goals of the IYSA are:
 

• Utilize Picture Canyon as an outdoor classroom for local Indigenous youth to connect with community and culture
• Enhance existing relationships between the City of Flagstaff and surrounding tribal communities
• Fulfill the mission of the Flagstaff STEM Education VISTA Project to increase the interest and academic performance in STEM areas of underrepresented youth

During the pilot year, staff programmed with three different Indigenous youth groups - the National Indian Youth Leadership Project, Native Americans for Community Action, and Kinlani Bordertown Dormitory. Approximately 25 youth participated and represented 10 different tribal communities. Each day-long academy included an interpretive tour of the Preserve, a panel discussion with local STEM professionals and students, and an interactive learning activity (e.g. rock art documentation, native and invasive plant identification). All programming took place at Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve as it provides a unique opportunity for learning about Northern Sinagua petroglyphs and habitation sites, has an outdoor classroom area, interpretive signs throughout the Preserve, and represents a place a cultural importance for many surrounding tribal communities. 

Staff is now in the planning process for expanding the impact of the program with enhanced collaboration and focused sessions with a specific Indigenous youth group during the 2018 spring and fall school semesters.
 

Connection to City Council Goal and/or Regional Plan:
City Council Goals:
Enhance public transparency and accessibility
Actively manage and protect all environmental and natural resources
 
Regional Plan:
Goal OS.1. The region has a system of open lands, such as undeveloped natural areas, wildlife corridors and habitat areas, trails, access to public lands, and greenways to support the natural environment that sustains our quality of life, cultural heritage, and ecosystem health.
 
Goal LU.3. Continue to enhance the region’s unique sense of place within the urban, suburban, and rural context (Policy LU.3.3).
 
Goal CC.2. Preserve, restore, and rehabilitate heritage resources to better appreciate our culture.
 
Goal ED.7. Continue to promote and enhance Flagstaff’s unique sense of place as an economic driver.

Goal REC.1. Maintain and grow the region’s healthy system of convenient and accessible parks, recreation facilities, and trails.

Financial Impact:
Funding for this program derives from the Open Space Program’s base budget (214-06-170-0665), with one-time $2,000 as allocated by City Council during the 2017 budget cycle.