On April 22 - Earth Day - Heights Philadelphia and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency formally announced a new partnership to support Heights’ mission of creating student pathways to college and careers, especially for low-income, Black and Brown, and first generation to college students.

Furthering Heights' vision that all students achieve economic mobility through education and career success, the EPA will now offer opportunities for students supported by Heights in college programming and 19 School District of Philadelphia high schools to learn and gain first-hand experience in the fields of environmental sciences and environmental justice through education, mentorship, and hands-on experiences.

To formally kick-start the partnership, the EPA invited Heights students from the Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School to its Lower Darby Creek Area Superfund Site, the Clearview Landfill, to participate in activities with volunteers to celebrate Earth Day.

40 students participated in a variety of environmental testing activities with trained environmental professionals.

The students conducted a soil analysis for heavy materials, tested water and sediment from the creek bank, and participated in landfill gas vent testing.

After the activities, Adam Ortiz, EPA Region 3 Regional Administrator, and Sean Vereen, Co-President of Heights Philadelphia, signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding document, formalizing the partnership between the organizations.

Over the next five years, Heights and the EPA will work together on programming that introduces students to employment opportunities in the environmental professional field, as well as the federal government. 

EPA activities will include:

-- Offering mentorship, shadowing, and workplace or site tours for students

-- Environmental science field and laboratory training, and hands-on experiences for students

-- Supporting networking and engagement opportunities for Heights’ students through job fairs and community outreach events

-- Participating in lectures, webinars, and conferences hosted for Heights students

The partnership with the EPA comes after Heights’ recently launched their new strategic plan that aims to expand services from 3,000+ to 5,000+ students by 2029. 

The five-year strategic plan focuses on building pathways to college and career, changing systems, and creating a sustainable organization model.

“It is wonderful to see this interactive investment from the federal government into the future of our students,” said Sean E. Vereen, Ed.D., Co-President, Heights Philadelphia. “I look forward to working with the EPA on programming that will give our students opportunities to engage with their work and learn more about careers in the public-sector. These types of hands-on experiences are critical in furthering pathways to help our students achieve college and career success.”

“Part of building a brighter future for our students means taking care of our planet and educating young people about the importance of environmental health,” said Sara L. Woods, Esq., C0-President, Heights Philadelphia. “This partnership will provide invaluable opportunities for our students to gain first-hand knowledge and experience in environmental science, environmental justice, and sustainability, so they can see the importance of this work and the career opportunities that are available to them.”

“Formal partnerships like the one we are celebrating today are more crucial now than ever before,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Administrator Adam Ortiz. “EPA is proud to support the work that Heights Philadelphia is doing to inspire students and motivate them to pursue college and career journeys in the environmental field. This partnership will not only make a difference in the lives of the students and their families, but will further the mission of EPA by producing future leaders that will serve to protect human health and the environment.”

"We are grateful for this partnership between Heights Philadelphia and the EPA," said Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D. "It is our vision to prepare students to imagine and realize any future they desire. Through collaborations and partnerships like this one, students at 19 District High Schools will have exposure to potential careers in environmental sciences and gain valuable experiences like networking, mentorship and hands-on training."

Click Here for the complete announcement.

Visit the Heights Philadelphia and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region III websites for more information.

Related Articles:

-- EPA Awards PA Energy Development Authority Over $156 Million To Deliver Residential Solar, Lowering Energy Costs, Advancing Environmental Justice Across Pennsylvania  [PaEN]

-- Heights Philadelphia, EPA Announce New Partnership Aiding Black, Brown And First-Generation Students’ Pathways to Environmental Studies & Careers  [PaEN]

EPA, Local Philadelphia Area Partners Celebrate Earth Week, Declare Trash Free Waters Begin With You!  [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- EPA Finalizes Suite Of Standards To Reduce Pollution From Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants

-- NPR: Coal And New Gas Power Plants Will Have To Meet Climate Pollution Targets

-- EPA Announces Online Collection Of Environmental Justice Resources

[Posted: April 25, 2024]

4/29/2024