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Academics, Experiential Learning & Innovation

Climate change is an unprecedented challenge that will require deep innovation and collaboration. As a global thought leader in science, research, and public policy, Northwestern strives to prepare students to be leaders in all facets of sustainability.

The Academics, Experiential Learning, and Innovation Program Area addresses the University’s commitment to provide hands-on experiential learning that not only educates students about sustainability, but also empowers them to be sustainability leaders equipped to solve critical environmental and social challenges. In addition, this Program Area includes commitments to develop experiential projects that align Northwestern’s research endeavours with sustainability and ensure students have access to learning opportunities related to climate, environmental justice, and sustainability.

Goals

  • Northwestern’s goal is to facilitate academic collaborations that support a campus-wide sustainability and environmental justice-oriented curriculum, experiential learning, and applied research.

Actions in Progress

  • on-track

    Create a process to screen events for potential to incorporate more climate, environmental justice, and sustainability content in on-campus events.

  • on-track

    Support, promote, and enable access to sustainability-relevant coursework across departments.

  • on-track

    Facilitate and promote opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student internships and other forms of experiential education in the fields of sustainability, climate, and environmental justice.

Sustainability Fellowship and Sustainability Internships

Northwestern launched an inaugural student sustainability fellowship in 2021 enabling students to apply energy and sustainability concepts to real-world problems. The fellowship provides a tuition stipend for up to 16 students annually. NU Sustainability Fellows are selected to work on a revolving set of projects during summer and winter quarters.

What You Can Do

Get Involved

Rally your friends and colleagues, and help us make sustainable living a part of our campus culture. Visit the Take Action page to learn about ways to get started.

Take Action