Environmental Justice Academy

The Environmental Justice Academy, which is an outgrowth of the Women's Environmental Leadership initiative, will engage 35 young women and non-binary youth of color living in communities along the Anacostia River in explorations of the intersections of community, justice, and environment. Guided in conversation by women whose work in multiple environmental spaces has effected change at local, regional, national, and international levels, participants will explore the pathways of Advocacy & Public Policy, Arts & Culture, Faith, and Inclusive Leadership.

The Academy is open to young women and non-binary youth of color of color ages 14-18 who live in communities along the Anacostia River and its tributaries in Washington, DC and Prince George's County, Maryland and Montgomery County, Maryland. 

Throughout the hybrid Academy participants will engage in curriculum including hands-on STEAM learning activities related to watershed ecology and environmental justice, as well as receive career development and mentorship. Using a STEAM framework, participants will:  

• Understand their communities’ role in the ecosystem of the Anacostia Watershed;  
   

• Map the ongoing relationships between the natural and built spaces that constitute their communities; 

• Identify and explore issues of environmental inequity impacting their communities; 

• Develop and present pathways to engagement and advocacy to a variety of community stakeholders;  

• Explore educational and career opportunities

Individuals who are interested in applying should email Katrina Lashley, Program Coordinator, at LashleyK@si.edu for more information.