Stand Up for Sustainability - Environmental Leaders in Action

Hurricane Island programs embed students in experiences that leverage the art and practices of science as tools for leadership and social change. Through personal and group explorations, students explore their own strengths as transformative leaders who can address the sustainability challenges facing our world today.

Stand Up for Sustainability - Environmental Leaders in Action is a week-long experience packed with hands-on learning for rising 10th-12th graders eager to acquire the skills, knowledge, and project-based experiences to engage in climate action in the effort to mitigate the effects of climate change. This program uses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for participants to explore and assess the infrastructure and ecosystem of the island, consider new ways to improve the island community’s commitment to sustainability, and interact with research scientists and sustainability professionals. 

Throughout the program, students will learn about our sustainable systems including greywater marsh applications, solar power collection, composting, organic gardening, and aquaculture farming. After a solid foundation of the island’s sustainable practices, participants will design innovative sustainable solutions to be applied on Hurricane Island, and determine how these innovations can be applied within their own communities. The program will culminate in a presentation of those projects.

Spending the week off-grid, students will become familiar with sustainable practices on the island such as conserving water and minimizing food waste. Students should be prepared to engage in community living, participate in communal chores and responsibilities, and disconnect from personal technology. Through living and learning together in this dynamic environment, students will begin to explore their own strengths as leaders and how they can leverage science as a tool for social change. Students can expect to leave the island with strengthened connection to the natural world and greater confidence to continue practicing leadership in their home communities.

This summer program is accredited by Pomfret School. Stand Up for Sustainability Certificate students will receive regular, constructive feedback on their growth, contribution and leadership, and feedback on their work toward specific learning outcomes. Following the program, each student leader will receive a comprehensive Progress Report/Transcript generated by Pomfret School. The report/transcript will offer specific insights on the quality and scope of the learner's inquiry, engagement, reflection, and commitment to a chosen sustainability project devised during the program. The report/transcript will also be sent to the student's school upon request. Additionally, each successful student will be awarded a Certificate in Sustainability Leadership—a valuable credential to share with their home school community and learning network.