Richard Bowden, professor of environmental science and sustainability, discussed integrating collaborative, hands-on learning to meet workforce needs with the Academic Leader. Bowden notes that engaging in community projects allows students to develop agency over their learning in meaningful ways and build transferable skills after graduation.
At Allegheny College, the Department of Environmental Science and Sustainability has partnered with twenty-eight community organizations and implemented an average of six annual projects that have been incorporated into twelve different courses. More than 80% of faculty in the department participate in community-based projects.
Past examples have included energy audits, fish conservation, green space assessment, invasive plant studies, and water quality testing.
Students and community organizations benefit alike when they work together to solve problems that impact the real-world.
