Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 69.47
Liaison Ken Foster
Submission Date March 4, 2021

STARS v2.2

Vassar College
IN-48: Innovation B

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.50 / 0.50 Cora Kenfield
Director of Sustainability
Office of Sustainability
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Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Exploring College Summer Intensive: Sustainability In Action

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
Each summer, Vassar offers a summer program for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds to help connect them with college counseling resources and a two-week hands-on learning program. Beginning with a remote program in Summer 2020 and continuing into Summer 2021, The ECSI program is focused on environmental sustainability with three tracks: one focused on the natural world, one on sustainability and art, and one focused on green careers and the built environment. Together, these programs help dozens of students develop tools for economic mobility while also learning how they can make a meaningful impact fighting the climate crisis.

As one example, students can complete a summer project where they do a basic energy audit of their own home and learn how that work can be scaled up to make a difference in their community and beyond as part of a career. They are also connected to a network of existing practitioners as mentors.

Optional Fields

A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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