Community and Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

Academic institutions as community members, creators of knowledge, and educators of current and future citizens and practitioners have the potential to play a significant role in establishing sustainable environments. This article examines the role of community as the learning context for colleges and universities and as co-creators for complex change processes. Collaborative educational models are presented that link environmental sustainability to community engagement and the enhancement of social and economic justice. Through interdisciplinary, community-based education students gain an awareness of and learn to make an investment in sustainable communities. As teams of students work in the local community, they are meaningfully involved with the community, each other, and the environment. Examples of collaborations designed to engage in interactive learning and development are outlined. Research from the areas of social work, environmental science, social justice, and social entrepreneurship are used to support this curricular approach.