Student-Led Initiative
In fall 2020, the Energy Management and Sustainability team (EMAST) was contacted by a group of students from Colgan High School. The students were advocating for an increase in waste reduction efforts at their school. They are also leaders of the nonprofit organization, Healthy Environments Advance Life (HEAL). The students proposed a plan to increase recycling in the outdoor areas of their school campus.
Under EMAST's mentorship, HEAL developed a student-led, project-based learning initiative to solve a local, place-based problem. Highlights from their project include:
- Proposing the idea to school administration;
- Collaborating with Facilities experts;
- Developing a step-by-step roadmap;
- Designing and purchasing custom, outdoor recycling bins;
- Installing the bins in strategic outdoor locations; and
- Creating a project-based learning experience for other schools.
Learn more about HEAL's leadership in piloting an outdoor recycling program in Prince William County Public Schools. Students and staff interested in project resources, including roadmap, brochure, and flyer, should visit HEAL's website.
Email [email protected] for more information regarding environmental sustainability and project-based learning experiences.