Costa Rica 2026
Social Justice and Global Citizenship at the heart of our work
In 2024 Black Girls Do STEM partnered with Friends of the Rainforest, to take 10 girls from our program to Costa Rica. Students were able to learn valuable skills and practical applications that will help shape their thought processes to think creatively, altruistically and scientifically while in the rainforest as junior ecologists studying biodiversity and peace.
With conflicts across the globe more and more biodiversity and healthy ecosystems are lost. This has major implications for healthy human life and leaves us exposed often to severe environmental degradation, this is why thinking about biodiversity and global peace go hand in hand. This Costa Rica Field trip brings together multiple aspects of our girls’ learning while empowering them to take small actions for global impact. Girls will complete a project while in the rainforest connecting them to the land and experience, and leave this project in the rainforest for other students who come after them to engage, pick-up where they left off, and continue to imagine a healthy global community.
I had the chance to bond with other parents and adults. While the girls had the chance to share their fears and vulnerabilities, the adults were also able to do the same. We have some awesome young ladies who are doing great things and will be going places. I also have a greater appreciation of what BGDS stands for – the mission, vision, and values of BGDS really came to life during this trip. The founder and her team walk the walk and talk the talk. They believe in BGDS and I do too!
I think the experience was fabulous. I think everything was perfect for the first trip. Perhaps building in some team building activities amongst the girls. They don’t get to be together often because they are in different districts. The girls seemed to really enjoy getting to know one another. Team building activities could enhance the bond…. But really there’s nothing I can say that needs to improve. Everything was perfect!
Our Ask
We are seeking to provide the opportunity to continue the connection of social justice, STEM skills and global peace, by taking more girls to the Costa Rica rainforest in the summer 2026. The total trip cost $30,000 and we need you to help us hit our first fundraising goal of $10,000. We have $4,000 so far!
You can also match our $10,000 goal, dollar for dollar, as the total trip is $30,000 and this is the first of many fundraisers.
Use of Funds Breakdown
This chart illustrates the strategic allocation of fundraiser proceeds for the upcoming program year. By providing a transparent view of our budget, we highlight how every dollar directly supports the 16 student participants through essential travel logistics, academic resources, and field-work necessities.
The importance of biodiversity and the roles that every form of life contributes to our ecosystem. I have had a fear of bats but I learned that bats are so important. The Merlin app was pretty cool too. I’ve been bird watching upon returning home!
Yes it definitely did, my time in Costa Rica helped me notice my surroundings and all the life around me was way better, especially having the opportunity to live in it. It also made me realize the changes I should make when contributing to the environment.
Photos From The Trip
The Costa Rica Field Trip is more than travel. It is hands-on learning, global perspective, and lasting impact. Join us in expanding opportunities that connect science, sustainability, and leadership.
One key takeaway I consider taking away from the trip and using in St. Louis, I think we can all try adopting a more sustainable lifestyle and incorporate more local organic foods into daily dieting as well as using less plastics.