Deep Ecology Education Program

We are delighted to inform our partners that we have successfully commenced the 2024/2025 cohort of Deep Fellows at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). This year, we have carefully selected 50 undergraduate and graduate students to participate in our unique Deep Ecology Education Program.

The program offers structured internships where each fellow is awarded $3,000.00 per semester for dedicating 10 hours a week to various transformative educational activities and projects. These initiatives are meticulously designed to foster epistemological transformation, aiming to instill a deeper understanding of ecological principles and sustainable practices.

Our Deep Fellows are engaged in many projects ranging from ecological research and community outreach to educational workshops and sustainability campaigns. By immersing students in hands-on experiences and collaborative learning environments, we equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive positive environmental change.

Your generous support has been instrumental in providing these opportunities, and we are excited to witness the profound impact our fellows will have on their communities and beyond. Thank you for your continued commitment to fostering ecological awareness and transformative education.

We are thrilled to announce a highly anticipated series of events to enrich the Deep Ecology Education Program further. This September, we will host a speaking tour featuring Professor Audelino Sac Coyoy from Guatemala, a distinguished K'iche scholar specializing in Indigenous knowledge systems and ethnobotany.

Professor Sac Coyoy's expertise in relational systems of thinking offers a unique perspective that aligns seamlessly with our program's transformative educational goals. Throughout the month, he will speak at various colleges and high schools, sharing invaluable insights into the interconnectedness of ecological and cultural systems.

His tour will allow our students and the larger community to delve deeper into Indigenous philosophies and practices that underscore sustainable living and ecological balance. We believe this speaking tour will inspire new ways of thinking and deepen our understanding of the intricate relationships that sustain our world.

We are proud to highlight the collaborative efforts between students from our partner high schools and our Deep Fellows in propagating a new season of pollinator plants. This initiative, aimed at raising funds to support travel opportunities for low-income students, has already garnered substantial participation and enthusiasm. By cultivating and selling these vital plants, students contribute to local biodiversity and pollinator health and create a financial pathway for their peers to visit Guatemala and Arizona. During these trips, students will partner with Indigenous youth engaged in programming that fosters ecological and cultural exchange. This hands-on experience will enhance their understanding of traditional ecological knowledge and build lasting connections with Indigenous communities dedicated to sustainable practices.

This year, we are excited to extend our impact by directly providing over 3,000 high school and college students with invaluable experiences to learn about the principles of deep ecology and engage in sustainable programming aimed at social transformation. These efforts encompass educational initiatives, hands-on projects, and cultural exchanges designed to cultivate a profound appreciation for ecological and cultural interconnectedness. Through these immersive opportunities, we aspire to nurture the next generation of environmental leaders equipped with the knowledge and passion to drive enduring positive change in their communities and beyond. Thank you for your unwavering support in making this ambitious vision a reality.