Students in the River

A Coalition Rooted in Community Need

What happens when college students, scientists, and local leaders come together with a shared mission to protect the environment? In South Bend and the greater Michiana region, the answer is the Environmental Research Coalition (ERC)—a growing network fueled by community collaboration and student-powered research.

Funded by Community-Engaged Alliance (CEA) through the High-Impact Community Engagement Practices (HICEP) grant, Holy Cross College Assistant Professor Dr. Katherine Barrett and a diverse team of academic and community partners are leading a coalition that goes far beyond the classroom.

Students in the Field, Learning by Doing

Through ERC, students are literally in the river—conducting hands-on water quality studies, tracking the impact of pollution on local wildlife, and learning how environmental science can create meaningful change in their own backyard. These real-world experiences are driven by local needs and coordinated with partners like the City of South Bend’s Office of Sustainability, enFocus, and the St. Joseph River Basin Commission.

This field-based approach gives students more than just skills—it gives them a sense of purpose, belonging, and civic responsibility as they see the direct impact of their work in the community.

Collaboration that Goes Both Ways

The ERC is more than a research network—it’s a platform for mutual learning. While students gain hands-on experience and career preparation, local organizations benefit from the energy, insights, and added capacity brought by faculty and student collaborators.

This model ensures that environmental research is responsive, accessible, and rooted in the priorities of the South Bend and Michiana communities. Projects range from urban tree canopy assessments to biodiversity tracking—each one developed through intentional partnerships and grounded in the region's most urgent environmental needs.

Empowering the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders

The ERC fosters student confidence and identity in STEM fields by giving them meaningful roles in environmental projects with real-world relevance. These opportunities aren’t just resume-builders—they’re confidence-builders. As students present findings, collaborate with local agencies, and develop solutions, they’re preparing for future careers while building a more inclusive and responsive environmental movement.

The Role of CEA

By investing in initiatives like the ERC, Community-Engaged Alliance is helping campuses empower the next generation of changemakers—and making sure that local voices are at the center of environmental research and decision-making.

This initiative was made possible through funding from Community-Engaged Alliance’s High-Impact Community Engagement Practices (HICEP) grant program.