About the Global Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Program
This course is made possible by the newly formed UCSD Academic Connections/The Kohala Center partnership. This is a weeklong course that will examine the diverse ecosystems and climate zones of the Island of Hawai‘i.
Hawai‘i Island’s root culture is embedded in knowledge of the natural world and excels in food self-reliance and ecosystem health. This course will expose students as to how the island thrives ecologically, economically, culturally and socially via first-hand guided tours and hands-on work at locations throughout the island—Kīlauea Volcano, Kalaemano, Ka‘ūpūlehu Dry Forest, and Kūki‘o.
Students enrolled in the course will come to appreciate and learn how to take the lead in sustaining our planet environmentally, be it as future ecologists, conservation biologists, marine biologists, environmental educators, and more. Students will learn about the diverse ecosystems, climate zones, and cultures of Hawai‘i Island, and how to apply what they learn towards future leadership roles in sustainability by continuing their education in science to achieve that goal.
Students will keep a journal of the week’s activities and will give a presentation on what they learn, including how to apply that knowledge towards being, “A Leader in Caring for the Earth” or, as translated into Hawaiian: Alaka‘i i ka Mālama Honua.
It has never been more important to spark the imagination of our students—to prepare them for a world of the future. Innovations have never moved faster from the scientist's bench to our fingertips—innovations which will change the way we live, the way we work, and the way we communicate. Young people, more than ever, need to learn how to become competent stewards of the Earth and need to be prepared to take full advantage of new opportunities. UCSD is committed to helping all students eliminate barriers to learning and to providing such opportunities. We invite you to join us on this incredible journey and to be part of our vibrant community.