OUR GEM: Youth Water Summit expands to southern Idaho

Presenting to North Idaho community members during the Youth Water Summit as a Lake City high school junior in the spring of 2021 shaped the course of Lucy Mendez’s future.  

Today, as an environmental science undergraduate at Boise State University, Lucy is drawing on what she learned about Coeur d’Alene Lake to explore real-world water solutions, turning a student experiment she presented at the water summit into a career path focused on helping Idaho communities manage one of their most precious resources. She graduates in December and plans to enroll in law school to study water rights.  

Lucy’s story reflects the growing impact of The Confluence Project (TCP) and the Youth Water Summit, which are now expanding to Southern Idaho for the first time. Led by the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (IWRRI) and local partners, the programs connect students to hands-on watershed science and mentorship opportunities that link classroom learning with community needs. 

The southern Idaho TCP program marks a major milestone in the opportunity for future statewide expansion, bridging students from Sandpoint to Boise and beyond. For many participants, like Lucy, these experiences inspire new academic and career paths, encourage collaboration across regions, and foster a shared commitment to Idaho’s water future. 

“We’ve seen incredible momentum in North Idaho, with students developing meaningful projects that touch on everything from lake water quality to local aquifer supply,” said Woody (Mike) Wood, North Idaho coordinator for The Confluence Project at IWRRI. “Expanding south allows us to connect even more Idaho students who are passionate about understanding and protecting the water systems that sustain their communities.” 

The water summit, part of The Confluence Project water curriculum, gives high school students the chance to conduct hands-on research on local water issues, guided by mentors from universities, governments, agencies, and non-profit organizations. Each spring, students present their findings in a science fair setting to peers, educators, and community leaders, often producing ideas that spark future interests, as the experience did for Mendez. 

Her high school project explored which chemicals collect in stormwater, and eventually ended up in Coeur d’Alene Lake. She is now taking inspiration from her Youth Water Summit project to investigate lake issues more deeply as an undergraduate. “The Youth Water Summit taught me how the community plays a role in impacting water. Water draws people together to want to help,” Lucy said. “Through YWS, young scientists are exposed early to topics they might not otherwise be introduced to until college. The program taught me how to adapt when research doesn’t go as planned, and to have fun while doing it.” 

As The Confluence Project expands its reach into Southern Idaho schools, organizers hope to build stronger statewide connections between young researchers, local water professionals, and university partners. The 2026 Youth Water Summit will include new regional collaborations and mentoring opportunities aimed at supporting high school students who want to dive deeper into Idaho’s water challenges. 

The Confluence Project’s success continues to grow because of the people behind it. Each year, hundreds of volunteers including scientists, educators, students and community members, contribute their time, expertise and passion to make the program successful. Their efforts help Idaho’s young people connect science to real-world problem solving and understand the value of protecting our shared water resources. 

“This is a truly community-led effort,” said Christa Howarth, Southern Idaho coordinator for The Confluence Project. “When volunteers join us, they’re not just supporting a single field trip or summit event. They’re helping shape the next generation of Idaho’s water professionals.” 

The 16th Annual North Idaho Youth Water Summit will be at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on May 19. Anyone who has experience in environmental science, water quality or related fields and would like to get involved either by assisting with field trips, serving as a Youth Water Summit judge, or offering financial support may visit iwrri.uidaho.edu/education-confluence to learn more. 

The Our Gem Coeur d’Alene Lake Collaborative is a team of committed and passionate professionals working to preserve lake health and protect water quality by promoting community awareness of local water resources through education, outreach and stewardship. Our Gem includes local experts from the University of Idaho – Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Kootenai Environmental Alliance, Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Kootenai County. 

    Kuna TCP students sample for macroinvertebrates along the Boise River at Barber Park.