Freshwater ecosystems in Costa Rica face increasing pressure from human activities such as deforestation and agricultural runoff, yet local communities often lack the tools to monitor and protect these vital resources. This presentation highlights the results of a grant-funded project that engaged students and educators in long-term macroinvertebrate monitoring to assess and improve local stream health. Through Stream Biomonitoring Workshops, students and community members gained hands-on experience collecting and identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates as indicators of water quality. These sessions also provided teachers with resources and strategies to integrate biomonitoring into their ongoing curricula. Participants monitored their local rivers and streams, generating baseline data and fostering a deeper understanding of local aquatic ecosystems. Results show increased awareness of stream health among students, with many expressing interest in environmental science careers. Educators reported plans to continue monitoring efforts with their students, ensuring the sustainability of this program and its contributions to local watershed health. Additionally, the project fostered stronger connections between schools and local conservation organizations, promoting a collaborative approach to freshwater stewardship. This initiative demonstrates the impact of community-driven environmental education in addressing local freshwater challenges. By empowering students and educators with the skills and resources to monitor their waterways, this project highlights a replicable model for fostering local stewardship and building capacity for long-term conservation efforts.