AMIkids firmly believes that young people, especially marginalized youth, can be active leaders in restoring the environments where they live. Seagrasses are an integral part of Tampa Bay, and their regeneration has been a focal point for multiple organizations within the Gulf and beyond. Improvement of water quality is the primary driver for regeneration of seagrass beds that were lost in the 20th century, but physical restoration in coordination with rigorous ecological monitoring and research can positively impact localized areas that have not recovered due to other limiting factors. With support from the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay (CFTB) and additional partners, AMIkids launched a hands-on seagrass restoration and monitoring initiative in Tampa Bay designed to give students meaningful opportunities to explore STEM careers, contribute to real scientific outcomes, and make a measurable impact on their local ecosystem. Initial instructional workshops were held daily from October 20-24, 2025 and provided a baseline of operational understanding for seagrass monitoring protocols. Students (including volunteers from corporate partners) conducted standardized seagrass monitoring in anticipation of future projects. Future restoration efforts are focused on areas that previously had seagrass present but have lost significant beds within the past 10 years, as well as locations with significant prop scarring. Scientifically appropriate monitoring and restoration of restored and control seagrass beds shall occur in 2026 and beyond.