Aligned with Western Washington University’s strategic goals around supporting student success with state-wide impact, we are building inclusive access to WWU programs and degree paths for people living in the rural mountain towns of the Methow Valley in North Central Washington!
We are establishing pathways into sustainability fields and emerging green economy careers by pairing on-the-job paid practicum internships with aligned coursework through the College of the Environment’s Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy Department. We offer this program as a fellowship that includes housing so it is more accessible to students.
Sustainability Pathways was launched in 2020 and works with over 40 local and regional organizational partners. Currently, 18 WWU undergraduate students complete 240-hour internships in the Methow and Okanogan Valleys each Summer helping advance sustainability initiatives while developing professional job skills in town planning, ecological restoration, energy efficiency, business and sustainability, zero waste, wildlife biology, and public health.
Students simultaneously learn and apply project management and systems thinking skills in the Sustainability Planning Studio course where they work in small interdisciplinary teams on projects needed by local organizations.
Thank you for supporting transformative learning for WWU students while they bring capacity to sustainability work in the Methow Valley!
