Environmental Pathway
The Environmental Science pathway engages students interested in environmental sciences and climate change through a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach.
As Colorado’s ecosystems experience the early impacts of climate change, this pathway is poised to support student-driven learning to address and prepare for these immediate issues.
Through three key focus areas of academic programming, workforce readiness, and student leadership development, the pathway will equip youth with the ability and knowledge to address climate change and ensure communities across the state are more resilient in the future.
In partnership with Fort Lewis College, the Collaborative is developing innovative programming and curating invaluable resources to further student learning and engagement around science, climate change, and the environment. To bridge the gap between high school and college for participating students, the curriculum integrates outdoor learning classes, mobile learning labs, peer education structures, success coaching, career exploration, an on-campus environmental laboratory, and instructional models designed to drive college readiness and student success. These additional resources are designed to empower students to explore both environmental themes and their own ability to work towards positive change in an ever-changing natural landscape.
The ECI Summer Institute hosted at Fort Lewis College by the Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative offers an intensive week-long opportunity within the Environmental Pathway focused on helping students make positive environmental changes in their communities. The Institute is free to attend and students will receive a stipend upon completion. Learn more about the ECI Summer Institute below.
More About ECI
ECI is a 5-day summer institute where students from local school districts work together to complete projects in their communities. Students will grow in their leadership, autonomy, and self-confidence as they put their minds and hands to work in helping their communities move towards more sustainable practices. During ECI, students will also have access to Fort Lewis College student mentors, leadership training, and academic success programming.
Team up with other high school students and leading experts in environmental topics in Southwest Colorado to engage in real-world and community centered projects. Take a deep dive into sustainable agriculture, forest health, environmental science, water quality, and more.
The institute is hosted at Fort Lewis College and work sites this year will include Silverton, Weaselskin Institute, and Saul’s Creek. All students will rotate through the three sites from Tuesday through Thursday, learning about beaver and wetland habitat restoration, sustainable agriculture, water quality analysis, and forest health/ecology. At the end of the week, students will work in groups to present their learnings and findings in the form of a video, article, story map, or other medium.
Earn while you learn:
ECI is open to all high school students who attend Bayfield, Durango, Silverton, Archuleta, and Ignacio school districts. Not only is it free, but participants will receive a stipend following the completion of the institute. Participating students will stay in student housing at Fort Lewis College, with meals provided.