Sustainability Scholars Program

Overview

Mount Saint Joseph offers a unique scholars program open to students who have expressed an interest in environmental education and sustainability. Our Sustainability Scholars Program is a four-year program that combines traditional school day education with a plethora of extracurricular and summer work opportunities, all allowing students to put their education and knowledge to use as they design and execute environmental action projects.

Requirements

Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA
Enroll in Environmental Science/Honors Environmental Sustainability/AP Environmental Science during junior/senior year
Participate in Sustainability Club
Maintain a clean discipline record
Participate in summer enrichment prior to sophomore, junior, and senior year

Extracurricular Engagement

Sustainability Club

Meets at least one a week
Work on action projects by grade
- Freshmen:
  - Hydroponic gardening
  - Urban farming & community donations
- Sophomores:
  - Environmental sustainability projects: Composting, tree plans/plating, native garden spaces
  - Grant writing
- Juniors & Seniors:
  - Business/sustainability collaboration
  - Sustainable design/STEM collaboration
Student beekeepers (optional)
Guest speakers
Priority for field trips

Summer Enrichment Opportunities

Sophomore year: Xaverian Leadership Institute
Junior year: Environmental Leadership Camp
Senior year: Sustainability-focused career exploration (internship or shadow days)

How to Apply

If interested in our Sustainability Scholars Program, you will be asked to write a short essay.

In 500 words or less, please answer one of the following questions:

What does environmental sustainability mean to you, and why are you interested in learning about environmental sustainability at the Mount?
Tell us about sustainability-related projects, volunteering, interests, and/or hobbies you are already involved with.

Summary

List of 4 items.

Freshman Year

Academic Year: Focus on sustainable farming practices and community donations
Sophomore Year
- Summer Before: Xaverian Leadership Institute
- Academic Year: Local environmental sustainability projects (native gardens, composting, etc.)
Junior Year
- Summer Before: Environmental Leadership Camp with overnight trip
- Academic Year: Collaboration with STEM/business ventures
Senior Year
- Summer Before: Career exploration assistance
- Academic Year: Collaboration with STEM/business ventures