We empower youth to build resilient and sustainable rural communities and healthy ecosystems across the Glacier Peak region of Western Washington through innovative, action-based education programs integrating Science, Technology, recreation, Engineering, art, Mathematics, and skill-building (STrEaMs). GPI bridges the gap between classroom lessons and real world applications. Our interactive programs combine nature-based curriculum with learner led research and problem solving. We expand community by building relationships between schools, residents, tribes, universities, students, human service organizations, government agencies, businesses and their local ecosystems. By empowering students and community to identify, design and solve today’s problems, we all build interdependent resilience for posterity. Ecosystems spread beyond school district boundaries, opportunities often do not. While rural youth connect with the natural environment, urban youth have access to connect with the STEM industry. Through connecting the positive characteristics of urban and rural environments, we provide cultural and educational exchanges to find diverse solutions and increase opportunities for all. Programs programs introduced through personal connections via recreation, resources and research interpreted and expressed through the creative lens of art and solved with real-world skills by a partnership of stakeholder students, community members, tribes, institutions of higher education, businesses, nonprofits and government agencies. GPI is a direct response to tragedy. The deadly SR 530 Mudslide on March 22nd, 2014, forced the timber depressed Darrington community to examine its uncertain future. After the Mudslide, the community’s greatest assets were identified: youth, forests and recreation. In August of 2014, members of the community launched GPI programs to begin contributing to the ecological and economic regeneration of their community.