Drew University
ER-12: Sustainability Immersive Experience

Drew students have multiple options for sustainability-focused immersive experiences. The Environmental Studies and Sustainability major itself requires an experiential component in which students gain hands-on experiences dealing with a variety of environmental issues. Students may undertake internships during the academic year and during the summer. Students can participate in these internships for academic credit. The ESS program provides small grants to support students who opt to do unpaid internships. Within the last few years, students have interned at places such as the NJ Audubon Society and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. In addition, many courses offered at Drew have an immersive sustainability component. An example is seen in the Tropical Marine Ecology class, in which students do a week-long experience in the Caribbean, focusing on the intricate ecosystems and conservation issues of the area. Community-Based Learning classes in English, Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry and other departments take students into the community working on sustainability projects with non-profit partners. Drew also offers many Drew International Seminars (DIS), in which students spend approximately 3 weeks abroad. Some of these programs have a sustainability focus. Drew's annual environmental justice alternative spring break also counts as such a program.