Creek Connections, founded in 1995, is an environmental education outreach program that brings hands-on environmental education to K-12 schools throughout western Pennsylvania. Through this college program, Creek Connections visit about 40 middle and high schools and their nearby stream sites, reaching about 6,000 students each year during classroom visits (half these numbers specifically in the Pittsburgh area). They reach about 100,000 more students indirectly through presentations at school assemblies, board meetings and in the community; through older students teaching younger students; and through their loaner modules they reach more educators than those who participate in Creek Connections.

Creek Connections has been recognized for its contribution to environmental education through the 2015 Pennsylvania Environmental Resource Consortium – Campus Sustainability Champion, 2014 French Creek Valley Conservancy – Friend of French Creek Award, 2010 Carnegie Science Award – Special Achievement in Environmental Education, 2008 Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators – Environmental Education Program Award and others.

Creek Connections’ work supports the Remake Learning mission: “Remake Learning is a network that ignites engaging, relevant, and equitable learning practices in support of young people navigating rapid social and technological change.” They utilize project-based, hands-on science education to support our youth to learn and grow in our rapidly changing society.