The Confluence Project

The Confluence Project (TCP) is a yearlong program pairing scientific experts with high schools across North Idaho. Partners from University of Idaho, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Panhandle Health, NRCS, the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, and IdaH2O team up to promote hands-on experience, field data collection and higher education degrees in the natural sciences.

With over 300 participants every year, TCP connects students to Idaho’s lakes, streams, mountains and aquifer through a combination of on-site studies and classroom work.

Throughout the school year, TCP teachers introduce water resource issues in the classroom and guide their students in a comprehensive research project. During multiple field excursions, students collect and analyze local water resource data. In the spring, they develop a driving question related to a real-world water resource issue, thoroughly research, collect data and propose a relevant solution.

The project culminates in the Youth Water Summit where students present their research projects. More than 80 volunteer judges from the scientific community contribute to the success and growth of this event. The Youth Water Summit encourages students to dig deeper into local water issues while providing an opportunity to experience a professional scientific conference.

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