InFocus

July 9-20, 2012

This dynamic two-week seminar provides promising high school students the opportunity to cultivate their roles as sustainability leaders, and to sharpen their college and career plans. Through a rich mix of field trips, meetings with local leaders, group projects, readings, and discussions, this interactive experience offers a comprehensive grounding in the intersection of social, economic, and environmental challenges. Participants will study how sustainability principles are impacting different sectors of urban life—including energy, business, buildings, technology, food systems, and transportation—as well as explore emerging internship and job opportunities in the field. Students will leave empowered to apply their deepened understanding to a broad range of academic and professional pursuits. This program is hosted in partnership with Northwestern University.

Objectives

• Provide a foundation in the knowledge and applications of greater social, environmental, and economic sustainability;
• Empower participants to better pursue sustainability-related college plans and/or professional paths;
• Develop leadership capacity by exposing participants to successful projects and innovators.

Structure

Each day is different in this highly interactive program. Approximately half of the classes will be held on the Evanston campus, with the remainder of the time spent on site visits throughout Chicago. By using the city as a living classroom, the seminar provides unique access to local sustainability initiatives through tours and meetings with sector leaders. Group discussions, exercises, and projects foster collaboration and a deeper understanding of the insight gained from lectures and outings.

The course begins with an introductory primer to sustainability that includes key concepts and vocabulary. At the program's end, students will receive a program yearbook that documents their insights and suggests further resources (including a reading list, news sources, and relevant college and study abroad opportunities). Students who desire additional depth can request to do a special research project supervised by the instructors.

Applicants

This seminar is ideal for high school students who possess a passion for learning and a strong curiosity about sustainability. No previous knowledge of environmental studies is required.