The San Francisco Bay Research Coordination Network for Student Opportunities in Avian Research (SOAR) brings together faculty, students, and volunteers to implement an experiential learning and research program focused on the study of birds and their habitats in San Francisco Bay, California. The primary members include universities, non-governmental organizations, and two bird-banding stations. Undergraduate students, especially those from underserved communities, will be introduced to STEM activities in both the field and laboratory, promoting students’ appreciation of birds and their significance for ecological and human wellbeing. The central philosophy of the program is to engage students in the process of science through “learning by doing”, which allows students the opportunity to study science in direct contact with nature. The program will enhance students’ career opportunities while teaching them to be effective stewards of natural resources. The program will produce outdoor learning modules, new courses, cross-institutional sharing of educational resources, publications in research and education venues, internships, and other career-advancement opportunities.