State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
EN-10: Community Partnerships

ESF in the HS is ongoing partnership, active since 1999, between ESF and high schools across New York State. It engages more than 600 high school students and dozens of high school teachers per year in environmental and sustainability focused learning. The program enables qualified students to: experience college-level course work while still in high school; understand the complex scientific and social perspectives behind the environmental issues such as the relationship between energy and the environment; and learn about and explore diverse interests and career opportunities in environmental science, engineering, management, policy and design.

The program is offered in over 30 high schools in and around Syracuse, NY, Onondaga County and throughout New York State. Students participating in the program represent a mix of urban, suburban, and rural school districts. The program reaches a diversity underrepresented groups of various racial, ethnic, and immigrant populations, and individuals from different religious groups and economic backgrounds.

ESF in the High School teachers are qualified high school teachers who must earn an appointment as an ESF Adjunct Instructor. Teachers participate in mentoring and professional development relationships with ESF faculty and educational specialists, and with other ESF in the High School teachers. Participating teachers and students form learning communities through which they share information, teaching/learning experiences, and related ideas and materials. Each participating teacher receives mentoring, course preparation, and consultation with College faculty and staff throughout the academic year, and professional Development opportunities specifically designed for ESF in the High School teachers.

Example courses offered include: EFB120 Global Environment, EFB190 Writing and the Environment, EFB 101-104 General Biology and Lab, ESF122 Ecology of the Economic Process, FCH496 Introduction to Renewable Energy, and EFB 298 Research Problems.

http://www.esf.edu/outreach/esfhs/

This conference is hosted by the ESF in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council New York Upstate Chapter, and the Syracuse University Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems. The mission of this annual conference is to promote, educate, and support green building design, construction, and processes. Informed by an Advisory Council comprised of architects, engineers, interior designers, builders, faculty/researchers, and other green building practitioners, this conference offers content in high performance buildings, building science, green materials and resources, renewable energy, biomimicry and resiliency, indoor air quality, urban design, planning, & community development, energy code, and LEED v4, among others. The conference is currently in its 19th year.

https://www.esf.edu/greenbuilding/

This event was held virtually during October 2020. ESF Professor Robin Kimmerer gave the keynote address.

The CNY Youth Climate Summit is a multi-day online event which aims to raise awareness and inspire students to create positive change in their schools and communities to slow the pace of - and adapt to - anthropogenic climate changes. Students and teacher mentors are given the tools necessary to begin a Climate Action Plan through inspirational speakers, workshops, networking, and proven methods in this virtual, multi-day event.

https://sites.google.com/solvayschools.org/cnyyouthclimatesummit/home