TEN YEAR REFLECTION | Exploring, Engaging, Empowering: The GCC’s Commitment to Outreach
February 16, 2025
As the Global Change Center (GCC) at Virginia Tech enters its tenth year, we proudly reflect on our commitment to fostering impactful connections between the University and local communities. A cornerstone of this effort is our dedication to outreach initiatives that inspire curiosity, provide educational opportunities, and empower individuals of all ages to engage with scientists and learn about the environment that we all depend on. Below, we highlight a few of the innovative programs and events that exemplify this core objective of the Center.
Girls on Outdoor Adventure for Leadership and Science (GALS)
The GALS Southwest Virginia program exemplifies the transformative power of education and outdoor exploration. Spearheaded by several Interfaces of Global Change (IGC) Fellows alongside other Virginia Tech graduate students, this initiative offers high school students from underrepresented groups the chance to engage deeply with science while backpacking through the Appalachian wilderness.
Since its inception in 2022, GALS SWVA has provided a free, week-long outdoor learning experience for young women and gender nonconforming students. This hands-on program not only teaches scientific principles but also instills confidence and leadership skills. With the GCC’s ongoing sponsorship and continued student leadership, GALS has become an annual tradition, inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders and leaving a lasting impact on both participants and organizers.
GALs backpacking through Grayson Highlands State Park.
Flip the Fair: Empowering Young Scientists
Imagine a science fair where elementary school students become the judges, engaging directly with Virginia Tech graduate student researchers to explore their groundbreaking studies. Flip the Fair does exactly that. Originally developed as an IGC IGEP Capstone Project, this innovative program has grown into an annual event in partnership with Roanoke City Public Libraries, inspiring hundreds of students each year.
By flipping traditional roles, the program encourages children to see themselves as scientists and build confidence in their ability to participate in and contribute to the scientific process. In just three years, annual attendance has grown from 50 to 300 elementary students, showcasing the program’s resonance within the Roanoke community.
“I think this gave them the confidence that they too can be scientists or anything they want. They saw a lot of young students from Virginia Tech that look like them, that talk like them, that are from the same areas they are. I feel like that probably impacted their lives more than the Virginia Tech students know,” -Amber Lowery, Library Activities Coordinator, Roanoke Libraries
For Virginia Tech graduate students, Flip the Fair provides invaluable experience in communicating complex ideas to young learners. It is an event that educates and creates ripple effects of inspiration throughout the community.
Creators of the Flip the Fair.
Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI): Connecting Generations
Outreach isn’t just for the young. Through our long-term partnership with the Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) at Virginia Tech, the GCC is the core contributor to a recurring Global Change course that has run since 2016. This course brings together faculty from across Virginia Tech, including 24 GCC faculty affiliates from diverse disciplines, to explore topics ranging from climate change to environmental policy. Beyond this course, many of our faculty continue to engage with LLI, offering enriching educational experiences for adults aged 50 and older.
Quote over image. Quote reads, “The Lifelong Learning Institute’s long-standing partnership with the Global Change Center has been instrumental in creating impactful and diverse programming. By connecting members with renowned faculty expertise from across the university, LLI creates opportunities for curious adults to deepen their knowledge, enrich their lives, and foster a strong, mutually beneficial partnership between the university and the community,” -Susan E. Short, associate vice president for engagement in Outreach and International Affairs
As LLI celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, we’re proud to continue contributing to its vibrant programming. This partnership showcases the GCC’s dedication to lifelong learning and fostering connections with the local adult community through shared curiosity and discovery.
Distinguished Lecture Series: Amplifying Critical Conversations
The GCC’s Distinguished Lecture Series brings some of the world’s most prominent scholars, scientists, and thought leaders to Blacksburg, offering an open forum to discuss pressing environmental and societal challenges. The goal of the series is to raise awareness about topics such as climate change, environmental sustainability, and environmental policy—and foster meaningful dialogue between University and community members. Since its inception, this series has become a cornerstone of the GCC’s outreach mission, providing a unique platform for public education and engagement.
The series has featured award-winning authors, renowned scientists, and influential policy leaders, offering audiences the opportunity to engage with some of the most respected voices in their fields. The Distinguished Lecture Series exemplifies the GCC’s commitment to connecting science with society.
Examples of Speakers and Past Lectures:
In her lecture, “From the Ground Up: A Soil Scientist Goes to Washington, D.C.”, Dr. Berhe shared her journey from earth science research to leading the nation’s largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences, emphasizing the role of science policy in addressing today’s grand challenges.
Asmeret Asefaw Berhe lecture at Moss Arts Center.
Dr. Johnson’s lecture, “Natural History in the Age of Humans”, drew on his extensive experience as a paleontologist, focusing on fossil plants and the extinction of the dinosaurs. He shared stories from leading major fossil excavations, including the Snowmastodon Project, which was featured in PBS documentaries like Ice Age Death Trap and Making North America.
In her lecture, “Should We Trust Science? Perspectives from the History and Philosophy of Science”, Dr. Oreskes examined the evolution of scientific consensus and dissent, with a focus on climate science. Her acclaimed book Merchants of Doubt was adapted into a documentary film and continues to influence discussions about science communication and trust.
His lecture, “The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars: Dispatches from the Front Lines”, offered insights into the intersection of climate science and public policy. During his visit, Dr. Mann co-led a science communication workshop for the GCC’s graduate students with Susan Hassol, focusing on strategies for effectively communicating complex scientific topics to policymakers and the public.
Additional Initiatives: Expanding Our Reach
These are just a few examples of how the GCC bridges the campus and local communities through engagement and outreach. Programs like these are vital to fostering connections, sharing knowledge, nurturing an informed community, and inspiring future changemakers.
The Global Change Center’s commitment to community engagement extends far beyond the programs highlighted above. Through a diverse array of initiatives, we continue to promote science literacy, environmental stewardship, and inclusive education for all ages and demographics.
