The South Dakota Discovery Center coordinates a volunteer water quality monitoring project in partnership with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (SD DANR). Volunteer water quality monitors collect water quality samples from a local water body and send those samples to state lab. The data is used by the SD DANR to understand the water quality of South Dakota's lakes and stream. This volunteer data is used by SD DANR in the bi-annual report to Congress on the condition of the state's waters. If you are interested in learning more about the volunteer water quality monitoring program and what is involved in becoming a volunteer monitor, you are invited to attend this introductory onboarding meeting. Additional in person training will be required to become a volunteer monitor. This training will be held via Zoom.

A weeklong residential summer camp for South Dakota high school students interested in engineering and transportation. Students will be introduced to transportation engineering aspects including planning, materials, and transportation modes. Activities include hands-on lab work, business tours, airport tours with flight simulator, materials testing, renewable energy impact on transportation, and various evening activities. Second session available June 7-13, 2026.

4-day camp exploring different engineering and science degrees. Each day students get mini presentations on two different STEM fields with hands-on activities. Sessions presented by faculty. Thursday afternoon includes parent reception at 1:00 PM with optional campus tour. Lunch provided for campers. Camp runs 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day (Monday-Thursday). Made possible by donations from Gary and Connie Grittner to inspire high school students to explore STEM careers.