LEADERSHIP IN ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS FOR THE PEOPLE: A PLACE-BASED SUMMER ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE EXPERIENCE

Leadership in Environmental Analysis for the People (LEAP) was a one-week summer experiential learning program on the Hendrix College campus. Fifteen Hendrix students participated in a series of lectures and activities with the goals of (1) expanding student awareness of environmental justice issues within their local community, (2) diversely engaging with issues of equity and inclusion in professional advancement, (3) expanding student awareness of careers and career paths at the nexus of environment and justice, and (3) acquiring new skills that prepare them to enter these careers. Students participated in air and water quality measurements, visited with professionals, and learned to produce maps and analyze data using QGIS to explore environmental justice issues in Little Rock, Arkansas. Program assessment included both direct and indirect assessment methods. Student reflections were analyzed for keywords related to the learning goals. Additionally, at the end of the program, students were given an exit survey that asked about the activities as they pertain to the LEAP Program learning goals. Results from the reflection analysis and exit survey will be presented and used to identify program improvements.