On February 22, students from Barry University’s Honors Program and Marine Biology headed out to Biscayne Bay for a floating classroom experience with Miami Waterkeeper. The experience offered a hands-on introduction to water quality, environmental stewardship, and the power of community collaboration.

The trip grew out of a new partnership formed in the fall semester, when students in the Honors Foundations course began working directly with Miami Waterkeeper as part of their service-learning curriculum. Through this collaboration, students learned that Miami Waterkeeper offers private Floating Classroom experiences, which immediately stood out as a unique, hands-on way to explore water quality and environmental issues.

Experiences like this are especially valuable early in a student’s academic path. By engaging in service-learning from the start, students begin to see their education as something that extends beyond the classroom and into the community. Opportunities like the Floating Classroom both deepen their understanding of environmental challenges while also strengthening connections among students, faculty, and community partners.

As the Director of the Honors Program, Dr. Sarah Riva reflected, one of the most memorable parts of the day came as students worked in groups to test water samples, shaking small test tubes and eagerly comparing results. Through partnerships like this, Barry University continues to create spaces where learning feels purposeful, engaging, and connected to the world beyond campus.