At first, Lauren Stribling wasn’t sure she wanted to touch the small creatures pulled from the water. But soon, curiosity replaced hesitation, and she found herself leaning in, asking questions and handling specimens with growing confidence.
Georgia Possible is a two-year leadership and college readiness program for high school students created through a partnership between UGA and CCSD. The curriculum is designed and facilitated by the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, a unit of PSO.
The Bobbi Meeler Sahm Service and Outreach Award, provided funding for students in Georgia Possible to take part in the hands-on science, leadership development and personal growth trip hosted by Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. The Georgia Possible program has been awarded another Bobbi Meeler Sahm Service and Outreach Award for 2026.
Students participated in a trawling excursion aboard the Sea Dawg research vessel, helping collect and identify marine animals while learning about research methods used to monitor coastal ecosystems. They studied coastal ecology through guided field investigations and discussions, examining habitats such as salt marshes and tidal creeks. The trip was the first time to the Georgia Coast for 19 of the 25 participants and was the first time at the ocean for several students. As they explored the shoreline, observing wildlife and environmental conditions firsthand, students immersed themselves in new environments and gained a deeper understanding of Georgia’s dynamic coastal systems.
Learning about marine biology on a boat was entirely different from being in a classroom," said Ariana Browner, a 10th grader at Clarke Central High School. "You were able to feel the sun and experience the water firsthand. Seeing the beauty of the world from a different perspective was a truly new experience for me."
The trip was a collaboration between the two Public Service Units to create a transformative experience that would introduce the students to new environments, new communities and new industries.
“We capture curiosity here and try to unlock a connection to the natural world,” said Anne Lindsay, associate director of education at Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. “For the Georgia Possible students, the experience built confidence, broadened perspectives and sparked personal growth.”
Georgia Possible Explores the Coast was one of four collaborative projects to receive a 2025 Bobbi Meeler Sahm Service and Outreach Award. Established in 2021, the endowment supports programs between UGA and Athens-Clarke County organizations that impact the quality of life for community residents. The Georgia Possible program has been awarded another Bobbi Meeler Sahm Service and Outreach Award for 2026. The current cohort of Georgia Possible is comprised of 10th graders from Clarke Central and Cedar Shoals high schools. They will graduate from the program in 2027.
Writers: Cat Elrod and Roy Parry Photos: Shanon Wise and Lauren Healey