We founded the Data Engagement and Access Project in September 2019 to address several interconnected needs: an abundance of low-to-no cost, underutilized data, recent national revision of K-12 curricula, trends in formal and informal education, and heightened awareness of both established and emerging environmental problems.

Where there are needs, there are opportunities. Incorporating environmental data into formal and informal education fosters numeracy, science and engineering literacy, communication skills, and more. Helping students and communities engage with data regarding their own local environment and environmental interests or concerns, empowers them to make a difference in their environment, health, and more. Finally, increasing the visibility and use of publicly-funded data provides greater return on taxpayer investment, and strengthens support for our environmental agencies.