The Milo Climate Action Academy, a pioneering educational initiative addressing Puerto Rico’s climate challenges, celebrated the successful culmination of its first program with the Milo Climate Action Showcase. This event brought together 102 participants from 53 municipalities across Puerto Rico to present innovative solutions developed during the 12-session program. This Academy, a collaboration between the Milo Space Science Institute at Arizona State University and the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust (PRSTRT) with its Research Grants Program, focused on empowering university students and early-career professionals to equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change using satellite data and advanced technology.

The program welcomed participants with diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Students included undergraduate and graduate scholars in Science, Engineering, Social Sciences, Business, Agricultural Sciences, Education, Urban Planning, and Architecture. Graduates who have entered the workforce brought early-career expertise in fields such as Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Business, and Urban Planning.

The program offered a comprehensive 12-session curriculum conducted online in English, blending theoretical and practical learning to develop innovative solutions for five critical focus areas in Puerto Rico: Health and Forest Restoration, Coastal Zone Management, Agricultural Sustainability, Urban Planning and Infrastructure Resilience and Water Resources Management.

Participants presented 29 groundbreaking ideas at the Milo Climate Action Showcase, connecting with industry leaders, academics, and professionals committed to advancing climate action.

“The Milo Climate Action Academy is designed to help empower the participants to not just be bystanders to climate change, but to take action in addressing the challenges their communities face,” said Sheri Klug Boonstra, Director of Workforce Development at the Milo Space Science Institute, Arizona State University. “We want to give them the ability to bring resilience to the communities they care about and solve the pain points caused by climate change.”

Lucy Crespo, CEO of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, highlighted the significance of the initiative: “We are proud to have facilitated this opportunity for students and professionals to be trained in the MILO Academy concept, allowing local environmental and climate change challenges to be addressed with the innovation and tools used and developed for space-based activities. This aligns with our mission to invest in and develop the capabilities to advance Puerto Rico’s economy and the welfare of its citizens through innovation, science, technology, and research.”

Andreica Maldonado, Director of the Research Grants Program at PRSTRT, noted the program’s global potential: “Puerto Rico proudly leads the first MILO academy focused on climate change, a pioneering effort that equips young professionals with the tools to confront this global phenomenon. This pilot academy will not only impact our local community but also serve as a model for implementation in countries such as Australia and Ecuador. It reaffirms our mission to drive positive change globally.”

The Milo Climate Action Academy exemplifies how innovation, collaboration, and education can empower the next generation of leaders to address climate challenges and build a more sustainable future.

Highlights:
🥇 5 top teams awarded, with two tying for 2nd place
🌐 Networking with industry leaders & experts
🌍 Focus areas: Forest Restoration, Agricultural Sustainability, Coastal Zone and Water Resource Management, and Urban Planning

Huge thanks to all participants and collaborators for making this event a success!

If you missed it, watch here:

About the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust:

The Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, as described in Public Law 214, is a private nonprofit organization established in 2004 to promote the Island’s participation and job creation in the global knowledge economy by promoting investments and financing for research and development in science and technology. It invests, facilitates, and develops capacities that continually advance Puerto Rico’s economy and the well-being of its citizens through research and development-based enterprises, science and technology, public health, and innovation, aiming for Puerto Rico to be a globally recognized center of innovation. For more information: www.prsciencetrust.org.

About Milo Space Science Institute:

The Milo Space Science Institute is a private, nonprofit organization led by Arizona State University dedicated to offering workforce development, access to mission infrastructure as a service, participation in space exploration missions, and training designed to increase participation in space science, promote space commerce, sustain growth, and improve the socio-economic health of the communities we serve. Its mission is to make science and space exploration accessible to countries worldwide that wish to enhance their knowledge, infrastructure, human capital, and deeper engagement in the growing global space economy. For more information: https://miloinstitute.org/milo-mission-academy.