Sixteen students graduated from the Region 3 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Student Environmental Development Program in Philadelphia this summer.

Participating students spent seven weeks between July and August learning about communication and public speaking and how to communicate environmental knowledge in their communities.

The students were taught by a middle school science teacher and given topic lectures by EPA employees and local professionals. The students participate in hands-on learning activities and extended learning experiences (field trips) which supplement their in-class learning. The versatile format can be used as a model for after school, summer, and/or day camp programs. The students are from diverse racial, economic, and cultural backgrounds and range in age from 12-14.

At the graduation, students participated in a group presentation of an environmentally related topic of their choosing and the impact it can have on their lives.

For more information, visit the Student Environmental Development Program webpage.

9/2/2005