THE CALISTA INITIATIVE
Inspiring curiosity
Building confidence
Exploring the science of water
What is The Calista Initiative?
Calista is a youth development program that uses the water as a gateway to build curiosity, confidence, leadership and respect.
Through guided exploration, hands-on learning, and mentorship, students discover both the science of water and the strength within themselves.
How it works
PARTNER-BASED MODEL
We collaborate with schools, libraries, clubs and youth organizations.
MODULAR LEARNING
Programs can include classroom exploration, hands-on STEM challenges, and optional water-based experiences when appropriate.
CONFIDENCE FIRST
The goal isn’t certification - it’s curiosity, safety awareness, teamwork, and leadership.
PILOT PROGRAMS / PARTNERSHIPS
PILOT PROGRAMS
Calista pilot programs are short-format, hand-on sessions designed to introduce students to the core principles of the initiative - water safety, buoyancy science, teamwork and confidence-building. Pilots allow organizations to experience the program in action before committing to a larger series. They are adaptable in length and format, making them ideal for libraries, school, clubs, and youth organizations exploring new STEM-based enrichment opportunities.
PARTNER WITH CALISTA
We are currently seeking partner organizations in Northeast Wisconsin to host pilot sessions and youth workshops. If your school, library, club, or youth organization is interested in bringing Calista to your community, we would love to connect and explore how we can work together.
CONNECT WITH CALISTA
If you are interested in hosting a pilot program or learning more, we’d love to hear from you.
HOMESTEAD HIGHSCHOOL - CAREERS IN MARINE EXPLORATION
April 14, 2026 • Two sessions
Real-world ocean careers brought into the classroom
Students explored real careers in marine science, diving, and underwater exploration through interactive discussion, real-world examples, and firsthand stories from the field.
The session focused on:
How we map the ocean
Real dive experiences and marine life
Career paths in exploration and research
Students actively engaged in ocean mapping, diving stories, and career discussions.
Guest Speaker: Todd Gordon - President, Wisconsin Marine Historical Society
Students had the opportunity to hear directly from Todd Gordon, who shared real artifacts and insights into Great Lakes maritime history and shipwreck exploration.
This presentation is part of The Calista Initiative’s mission to introduce students to real-world exploration, build curiosity, and connect learning to meaningful career paths.
Interested in bringing Calista to your school or program? Contact us to schedule a presentation or pilot program.
calista pilot - curiosity in motion
Hands-on learning in action. Students explored water safety, buoyancy, and marine science through curiosity-driven experiments.
Founding Calista Initiative pilot session —Manitowoc Public Library
march 28,2026
Real feedback from students in our founding members class
“Making a boat and competing with pennies was my favorite!”
“I want to learn how to become a scuba diver!”
“I really liked using pressure to make the diver float!”
“My little brother is going to be a future Calista kid!”
“I think It was fun to learn how water works!”
“Astronauts train in water too!”
THE LEGEND OF CALISTA
Watch the short cinematic original story behind The Calista Initiative
Featured in Soundings
(Click the image to read the full article)
The Calista Initiative was recently featured in Soundings, a publication of the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society distributed across the U.S. and Canada.
The article highlights Calista as a youth program focused on water safety, buoyancy science, and confidence-building through hands-on learning.