Discovery Pathways

Environmental Education - In 2023, Free Community Boating and Fishing were our largest programs. We taught 5,367 people in educational and recreational boating events. We held 41 total boating events: 16 free community days, 11 partnership events, and 14 targeted lessons for underserved communities. 837 people attended 18 fishing events and learned the basics of fishing, safety, water quality, and fish identification. 317 students came on free educational field trips. Environmental education programs included nature walks, birding, native plants, and more. All programs are led by youth. 98% of programs were free of charge for community members. Outreach is performed in 7 languages to reach underserved communities. Free fishing rods, supplies, PFD's, binoculars, and gear are provided for all events. Our partnership with PA State Parks was deepened as students learned water testing and interactive science on trips in the city and beyond.

Youth Empowerment Program: 18 students completed all components of a Watershed Education and Empowerment Program. Students were trained in Work Ready skills. 100% earned badges in kayak instruction, water testing science, and environmental stewardship. Students learned public speaking, teamwork, watershed science and history, birding, species identification, fishing and advocacy as they worked collaboratively over 8 intensive summer weeks. Programs continued through the fall. Youth became quickly empowered as leaders and taught boating, fishing, safety in nature, and more. 25 regularly participated in empowerment programs and 57 students attended at least 2 classes. Students completed scientific Ecoli and bacteria water testing for 18 weeks. We led 10 trips outside of South Philly with our youth program. These include rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, and team building. 4 new educational signs were installed in FDR Park. Summer culminated in a 4-day camping trip with 24 youth and youth leaders.

Community Health - Discovery Pathways organized 2 large community health fairs. Over 378 people attended these events. Events included healthy food, dance, cooking, mental health resources, and more. We also helped organize large food donation events and connected families to free food at local pantries and kitchens. All our programs are culturally relevant and we work to translate outreach and materials. We organized the first Southeast Asian Water Festival at FDR Park. Over 2,500 people in attendance. We distributed 675 healthy meals to youth and families. We held 3 larger educational health events for the community that featured free food, health materials, exercise instruction, and more. We organized and led a series of cooking classes and healthy eating programs in multiple languages.