Collaborative Outreach to Inspire Interest in Civil and Environmental Engineering Through Stormwater Design using Best Management Practices

This paper presents an engaging activity developed for the outreach event Blue Planet Jobs: Careers in Water, hosted by the nonprofit organization Pure Oakland Water (POW).Approximately 250 high school students participating in career readiness programs explored opportunities in various water-related professions through interactive mini-sessions and displays.This paper focuses on one specific mini-session, which introduced best management practices (BMPs) for stormwater design.The session was collaboratively designed and delivered by practicing engineers and educators.In this mini-session, student teams developed cost-effective site solutions that adhered to county area specifications.After a brief introduction to the topic, teams were provided with a site plan, sheets representing BMP options, a worksheet, and other supplies.The activity was structured into the following steps:1. Calculate the Impervious Area 2. Calculate the BMP Area 3. Design a Minimum of Two Alternative BMP Solutions 4. Estimate the Cost of the Selected BMP Alternative Students had the flexibility to select and place BMPs on their site plans, choosing from options such as native plantings, rain gardens/bioretention areas, vegetated roofs, and trees.Facilitators guided the students through each step to ensure they could complete the entire process effectively.Immediate feedback from students and teachers was overwhelmingly positive.Several teachers requested the materials to expand upon the activity in their classrooms.Postevent survey results also highlighted this session as a favorite among participants, with students and teachers alike citing its engaging and hands-on approach.This paper will provide a detailed account of the resources developed for this activity, and outline how the session was delivered.