GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Calista Initiative, founded by Scott Bartels, focuses on providing children with hands-on experiences in water science. Bartels emphasizes that the program encourages students to explore and learn independently, rather than relying solely on traditional methods like worksheets. “They get to see, they get to learn, they don’t just hear and listen,” Bartels said.
Drawing from his 22 years of military experience, Bartels fosters teamwork and curiosity among the students. His journey into water science began with scuba diving, prompting him to ensure that more children could access marine science education. “I wanted to bring the things that I was teaching in the class to kids that don’t necessarily have the opportunity to scuba dive or even get in the water,” he explained.
Program expands to community partners
The initiative has grown to include partnerships with schools, libraries, museums, and community groups across Green Bay. As the Calista Initiative continues to develop, Bartels aims to educate children about the connection between local waterways and the larger global ecosystem.
