Ben Graves is dedicated to developing outdoor stewardship and science education programs in the rural communities in Western Colorado. He has spent the last decade teaching high school science in the Delta County School District, where he developed a Solar Energy vocational course and taught College Biology, AP Environmental Science and Earth Science. Through these classes, he was passionate about helping his students understand the complexity of climate change through experiential learning and investigation, all while developing pathways into STEM careers. These efforts led him to collaborate with an initiative called The Nature Connection, which offers field trips, summer camps, trail development and internships for youth in the community. He is currently taking a break from teaching to serve as the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Development for The Nature Connection. Ben was a NOAA Planet Steward, participated in a National Geographic Grosvenor Fellowship in the Arctic, and continues to engage in mentoring and coaching teachers as a Knowles Teaching Initiative Senior Fellow. Prior to moving to Colorado, Ben graduated with a BS and an MS in Earth Systems Science from Stanford University.