Apply systems thinking and sustainability theory to real world cases. Partner with organizers transforming communities and restoring ecosystems.

Description

Students learn why and how environmental burdens are inequitably distributed, and explore the work of communities organizing for radical, lasting change. At the heart of the program lies a fundamental question: "How can we restore ecosystems, environmental health, and good quality of life for all?" 

This moment in history is marked by widespread unrest due to climate change, environmental destruction, toxicity, and uneven access to life-giving natural resources. This moment also presents new opportunities for social justice and sustainability as people around the world demand both novel and time-tested approaches to systems-change. The Environmental Sustainability program equips learners with tools to appreciate the histories that birthed this moment, and skills to create a liberatory future.

Through this program, you will partner with organizers and educators passionate about environmental justice. Program time is split between classrooms, field sites, an internship, and a permaculture farm in Wisconsin. Students work to intervene in systems of injustice and ecological destruction, building thriving communities through regenerative practices.

Each student completes an internship. Past internship sites include the Friends of the Mississippi River, MN350, the Center for Earth, Energy, and Democracy, and Carver County Environmental Services. Students leave prepared for leadership at the intersection of environmental and climate justice, with a profound understanding of the work being done locally and globally in those fields.

Read more about Environmental Sustainability on HECUA's website. 

Internship

HECUA designs an internship experience for all students that meets personal learning goals and connects program themes. Extraordinary mentors in the environmental arena lead students to participate in meaningful work during the internship portion of the program. Past internships sites include MN350, Growing North, and Lily Springs Farm. Students can expect to spend 12-15 hours/week in their internship.

Program Structure

HECUA is planning to offer all programs in-person for the 2021-2022 academic year. This is subject to change based on health and safety guidelines. 

Health and Safety

HECUA has been vigilantly and constantly monitoring the evolving conditions of COVID-19, including tracking updates from the Minnesota Department of Health, Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization, the US Department of State and other credible sources. Click here to view HECUA's most recent COVID-19 updates.

Housing

Students from institutions outside the Twin Cities are welcome to participate. While housing is not included in the program fees, HECUA staff are available to assist students with finding housing. HECUA is able to offer housing at an additional to cost through one of our local consortium member universities. Please contact hecua@hecua.org if you would like more information about housing.

Program Fees

Check the HECUA website here, for the current fees. These fees include include tuition, nearly all reading materials, some field visits (including meals while traveling), and tickets to events and opportunities associated with the program. 

No prior experience required

Think this program is just for environmental studies students? Think again! This program integrates natural and social sciences within a social justice framework and no course prerequisites are required.

Eligibility

This program is open to any undergraduate students currently enrolled in a US college or university who have completed their first year of college and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, although any applicant with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.5 will receive additional review. Prospective students are encouraged to contact hecua@hecua.org with any other eligibility questions. 

Scholarships

HECUA offers multiple scholarships to students each term. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) students, first-generation students, and students from low-income backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Visit our website to learn more. 

To Apply

 
Deadlines

• November 1st - January term and spring programs abroad, early bird scholarship deadline
• December 1st - spring US programs abroad deadline
• March 1st - early bird scholarship deadline for summer and fall programs
• March 15th - fall programs abroad deadline
• April 15th - summer and fall US programs deadline