Students will engage directly with community members and local flood-impacted areas to identify authentic problems and opportunities related to Mississippi River flooding in Vicksburg. Through observation, dialogue, and evidence gathering, they will define the challenge, clarify who is most affected, and generate meaningful inquiry questions grounded in firsthand community perspectives.

Students will investigate the root causes of Mississippi River flooding impacts in Vicksburg by conducting structured community interviews, analyzing quantitative and geographic data, evaluating credible sources, and synthesizing findings into an evidence-based problem statement and preliminary solution proposal grounded in documented community needs.

Students will generate multiple evidence-based flood resilience solution concepts, evaluate them against documented community needs, gather initial stakeholder feedback, and develop a detailed implementation plan grounded in measurable impact and empathy for Vicksburg residents, businesses, and tourism partners.

Students will implement their flood resilience solutions in authentic community contexts, collect and analyze real-world data, gather stakeholder feedback, and refine their work based on documented evidence to prepare for a public exhibition.

Students will present their full DEEDS journey and Flood Resilience Action Proposals to community stakeholders, demonstrate how community voices shaped their solutions, and reflect on their growth as communicators and civic problem-solvers.