Boise State student uses high school project to inspire a career path, showing the lasting impact of hands-on science education
Coeur d’Alene, 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 Mendez, a environmental science student at Boise State, demonstrates water acidification as a service learning project.
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.
Kuna TCP students sample for macroinvertebrates along the Boise River at Barber Park.
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.”
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 learn more here.
Media contact
Lindsey Beacham
IWRRI Communications Strategist
208-885-7955
lbeacham@uidaho.edu
