GOAL High School students, including several local students, recently returned from Southern Arizona after completing the GOAL Ventures – Land Use and Government Organizations course, a credit‑bearing social studies class that combines online academic learning with real‑world, hands‑on experience.
Before traveling, students completed preliminary coursework through GOAL High School’s online learning system, guided by a local social studies teacher. After successfully completing the experiential portion of the course, students earned social studies credit on their high school transcript, supporting their progress toward graduation.
From March 26 through April 3, students participated in a camping‑based venture focused on how state, federal and Native organizations work together to manage public and private lands across Southern Arizona.
Throughout the trip, students engaged in a wide range of learning experiences, including:
• Exploring the Sonoran Desert ecosystem at the Arizona‑Sonora Desert Museum.
• Completing a service project at Picacho Peak State Park, clearing invasive plants and restoring trails.
• Visiting Biosphere 2 to study sustainable living, science and future space exploration.
• Partnering with Saguaro National Park on trail building and community science projects, including GPS use and trail camera setup to support park research.
These hands‑on projects allow students to work alongside professionals from the National Park Service, state parks and other government organizations, seeing firsthand how land management decisions are made.
“These experiences became some of the biggest highlights of the entire trip and created a lasting impact on our students,” shared a GOAL Ventures teacher following the park partnership. “We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to learn and work alongside the Saguaro National Park team.”
For many students, the experience reshaped how they see learning, government and their own futures.
“I’d describe this trip as magical,” said Cole Conder, a GOAL student. “Working on the trail and talking with professionals made me feel like I was part of the conversation. It showed me a side of government I hadn’t seen before — people working together to fix mistakes and protect the future.”
Another student, Divinity Joha, described the experience as inspiring, saying, “This trip made me want to volunteer more and feel more confident talking to people. Seeing how organizations plan and work together helped me understand how deep land management really goes.”
According to Cara Wicks, GOAL career technical education outdoor recreational leadership teacher for the course, the growth students experience goes beyond academics.
“The Sonoran Desert is a challenging environment, and students are asked to learn, work and live in ways they aren’t used to,” Wicks said. “What’s incredible is watching them persevere. By the end of the week, they’re more confident — not just in camping and outdoor skills, but in themselves and as members of the GOAL Ventures community.”
Wicks added that students consistently impressed staff and partners with their curiosity and professionalism. “They asked thoughtful questions everywhere we went. Their confidence and respect made them wonderful representatives of GOAL.”
GOAL Ventures is part of GOAL High School’s commitment to experiential, credit‑earning education that connects classroom learning to real careers and civic life. The Land Use and Government Organizations course is an advanced venture, requiring students to complete prerequisite GOAL Ventures coursework before participating.
To learn more about GOAL Ventures, visit goalac.org/goal-ventures/.
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