Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 66.38
Liaison Olivia Shehan
Submission Date Nov. 13, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Wellesley College
AC-5: Immersive Experience

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Dorothea Von Herder
Sustainability Coordinator
Facilites
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution offer at least one immersive, sustainability-focused educational study program that is one week or more in length?:
Yes

A brief description of the sustainability-focused immersive program(s) offered by the institution, including how each program addresses the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability:

Wellesley College Alternative Breaks are week-long (or longer) programs offered during Winter Session or Spring Break. The programs are typically partnerships between Wellesley College and an outside program. In 2018 there were multiple sustainability-focused programs offered to students. See list below.

Environmental Sustainability
Partner Organization: Asheville GreenWorks
Where: Asheville, NC
When: January 20 – 27, 2018

Ever since its creation in 1973, Asheville GreenWorks has worked to promote sustainability, self-sufficiency, protection and love for the environment, and community empowerment in the Asheville, NC area. Through projects such as tree planting, urban agriculture, local clean-ups, waste-reduction campaigns and education, and river maintenance, GreenWorks strives to engage their community to be socially active in the protection of their home and resources. The organization also seeks to secure continued dedication in future generations through Youth Environmental Education Leadership programs. Asheville itself has an exciting, small-town culture known for local artisans and craftsman, community festivals, music, beautiful natural scenery, hiking, and delicious local food. If you are passionate about environmental issues and want to learn how local communities can come together to combat such issues and, instead, thrive in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly lifestyle, then join us on a fun and rewarding trip to Asheville, NC!

Sustainable Living
Partner Organization: COAP, Inc.
When: March 24 – 31, 2018
Where: Harlan, KT

Based in Harlan, Kentucky, COAP, Inc. (Christian Outreach with Appalachian People) is an organization focused on providing affordable yet energy efficient homes for low-income families in the Kentucky counties of Harlan, Bell, and Leslie. COAP, Inc. was officially founded in 1983 after a horrific flood years prior destroyed many of the homes in Harlan County. The community realized the need for permanent, affordable housing and began this volunteer organization to rebuild what was lost. The cost effectiveness of these new homes is accomplished by enormous volunteer efforts and the long-term affordability of the latest energy efficient technology installed throughout the homes. If you’re interested in affordable housing or environmental stewardship, join us in working with COAP to build low-cost and environmentally-safe housing in Harlan, Kentucky.

Holistic Health
Partner Organization: Woodland Harvest Farm
When: March 24 – 31, 2018
Where: West Jefferson, NC

Located on 16 acres of land in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, Woodland Harvest Farm has been cultivating sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices and building community since 2003. Motivated by the permacultural principles of Earth Care, People Care, and Resource Share, Woodland Harvest works tirelessly to be responsible stewards of the earth and of their community. In addition to getting their hands dirty in their organic gardens, participants will learn the tenants of permaculture and sustainability, help with natural building projects, learn about and maintain alternative energy systems, take care of farm animals, and explore the native ecosystems and social justice issues of Southern Appalachia. More broadly, the trip will focus on the culture and poverty of Appalachia and how these dynamics affect elements of health.


The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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