To kick off their research, the eighth graders got to visit the Posner Center for International Development, a Denver organization dedicated to making an impact on the SDGs globally and in Colorado. During their trip, the students learned how the Posner Center connects over 200 organizations in 100 countries worldwide so that they can work together to share and exchange ideas, provide resources and support, and ultimately work together to combat global poverty. 

According to Grade 8 student Kendall A., “During our trip to the Posner Center, we learned about some of the different organizations that work there, went on a tour of the building, and got to ask questions. I really liked how it was a very inclusive environment, and everybody seemed very happy to be there. What impacted me the most is the fact that over 200 organizations globally come together to help so many people not just survive but thrive. The initiatives they are taking to make sure that all 17 of the UN Sustainable goals are reached by 2030 are going to help for sure, and I cannot wait to see how they positively impact the world in the future.”

Similarly, Grade 8 English Teacher Katy Cooper said, “The Posner Center did an excellent job of giving an overview of the UN Goals as well as providing concrete examples of how their organizations address those goals. Further, the speakers at the Posner Center prompted students to think about their Capstone action piece. In doing so, students were able to connect their chosen topics to specific organizations within the center.” 

As the action piece of her capstone project, Grade 8 student Marcela N. chose to focus on Goal #15, Life on Land, or more specifically 15.2, which helps “promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.” According to Marcela, “For my capstone project, I will be working to prevent deforestation and help sustain and grow trees and forests. I am very much looking forward to the action pieces because it is one thing to learn about a subject or problem, but another to do something about it. I love to help the environment and have always been passionate about it. I plan to plant trees and invite people in our community to help because there is no I in change. I also hope to write to different organizations to ask about ways to assist and reach out to newspapers to ask if I can submit an article about the consequences of deforestation so that more people are informed and will want to contribute. I am very excited to begin our action pieces and can’t wait to make a difference in our community and, hopefully, the world!

Keep up the great work, Grade 8 activists!