Partnering with Mana de San Diego to Make Science Accessible for Youth!

Written by youth apprentices Asees R., Abgail K., and Kirin G.

Youth from Mana De San Diego work with their mentors filling out datasheets and using iPads for the science activity.

Back in January, EcoLogik Institute’s youth apprentices who are part of the Sci-Comm winter/spring 2026 cohort kicked off the new year by teaming up with Mana De San Diego to provide peer to peer mentorship for this organization’s youth through hands-on, science.

It was a powerful learning experience for our youth apprentices. From strengthening public speaking skills to learning how to engage diverse audiences, this opportunity allowed them to grow both individually and collectively!

For many of the apprentices, this was their first time leading a workshop for such a large audience.

Youth apprentice Abigail K. is working alongside Mana De San Diego youths and their mentors. Abgail K. is helping participants navigate through iPad and datasheets for the activity.

Youth apprentice Abigail K. shared that, “the Mana De San Diego workshop was an amazing experience to help me practice my public speaking skills and work with my team to create a presentation. The workshop was also beneficial to my social skills as I got to meet a lot of new people”. The experience helped her practice her public speaking skills while also collaborating closely with her team to create and deliver a meaningful presentation. Beyond presenting, she valued the opportunity to meet new people and strengthen her social skills.

Youth apprentice Claire echoed, “the workshop was a great experience to practice my public speaking skills. I don’t think I’ve led many workshops with such a large crowd, so learning how to accommodate my lesson to this audience was very enriching”.

Kirin highlighted the importance of practicing public speaking in a controlled environment. Leading a group activity and navigating more challenging audience dynamics helped build confidence and adaptability, key skills in science communication.

Youth apprentice Kirin G. is working alongside Mana De San Diego youths and their mentors. Kirin G. is helping participants navigate through iPads and answering questions.

The workshop was a major confidence boost for youth apprentice Asees R.. For Asees, this was her first time speaking in front of a large group. This experience pushed her outside of her comfort zone! She reflected, “this workshop helped build my science communication skills. Overall, this experience provided and helped grow many of my skills that will use for the rest of my life”.

Youth Apprentices Asees R. Claire W. Kirin G. Sophia G., Melissa F. Abgail K. pose for a picture with their mentor Kaelynn Opalec and EcoLogik Institute members Tasjanei Ballard and Ivel Gontan

Overall, the Mana de San Diego workshop was an empowering experience for our youth apprentices. It reminded everyone that science communication is not just about sharing information, it is about connecting with people, adapting to your audience, and growing through every opportunity to lead!

Youth apprentices Asees R., Abigail K., Claire W., and Kirin G. are part of the Science Communication Winter/Spring 2026 cohort. The Sci-Comm team is learning various communication skills to enhance their abilities.