Tahoe Expedition Academy STEM Art Featured at 5 Gyres Event

Tahoe Expedition Academy STEM Art Featured at 5 Gyres Event

The Squaw Valley Institute recently hosted an exciting event spotlighting the innovative STEM and art projects created by the students of the Tahoe Expedition Academy. Attendees were able to see firsthand the incredible pieces made from plastic waste, including LED light chandeliers, trashion fashion designs, and hand-cut upcycled plastic creations. These works were showcased at the Squaw Valley Institute's 5 Gyres event, which aimed to raise awareness about plastic pollution and its effects on our oceans.

The event featured a discussion led by Anna Cummins and Dr. Marcus Eriksen of the 5 Gyres Institute, as well as a 'Trashion Fashion' show presented by the Sierra Watershed Educational Partnerships (SWEP) Envirolution Club. The evening also included live and silent auctions, interactive art exhibits, and a raffle to benefit SWEP.

The Tahoe Expedition Academy, founded in 2011, is a Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade Expeditionary Learning (EL) school with campus locations in Kings Beach and Tahoe Vista, California. The school's mission is to empower students to reach their full potential through engaging academics and outdoor adventures that cultivate intellectual growth, character, and confidence. The academy's innovative teaching methods and Learning Expeditions, long-term, thematic units, instill a love of learning and appreciation for the community and natural world in each student.

The Squaw Valley Institute's youth program, VOY/CE, partnered with SWEP to bring this event to the community and raise awareness about plastic pollution. Through interactive discussions with guest speakers and hands-on activities, the program aims to inspire uncommon conversations and create lasting transformations in the way students view the world.

Overall, the event was a huge success, raising over $5,000 for the SVI VOY/CE youth program and providing a platform for the incredible work of the Tahoe Expedition Academy students to be shared with the community. Thank you to all the families that were able to join us, as well as the event partners and sponsors including Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows, Red Bull Media House, Planet Watch Films, Gibson, Volkl, and Marker.