From overconsumption to aging infrastructure, water access and sanitation challenges are rising, yet public awareness, especially among young people, remains low.
To explore solutions, Rogue Water Lab partnered with graduate students from the Clinton School of Public Service to study college students’ understanding of water systems, and how immersive education can bridge the gap.
The team surveyed college students from 39 states and interviewed student leaders, water professionals, and museum experts. They found that 42% of students reported low knowledge of water issues, with many relying on the internet and social media as primary information sources.
Drawing on behavioral science and multimedia design, the students proposed a roadmap for immersive education, from VR simulations of water-scarce worlds to interactive exhibits that encourage conservation and civic action.
The goal: to develop empathetic, informed water advocates ready to lead on sustainability. By linking knowledge, identity, and action, this project aims to build a future where water systems are valued, understood, and protected.
The Clinton School Impact Minute is a recurring segment with Little Rock Public Radio, highlighting the Clinton School’s field service impact.
Since 2004, Clinton School students have completed nearly 700 field service projects with more than 300 organizations in Arkansas alone, creating immediate and long-term impact for businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies across the state.
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