Sustainability Leadership Program

Three students and a professor, all wearing life jackets, smile as they float in a body of water in a vessel made of silver pipes, two boats, and wood panels
Three students smile at the camera and hold out flowers in brown pots

This immersive week-long residential program for high school students offers hands-on experiences in areas such as food justice and regenerative farm systems, civic leadership, and environmental innovation, while providing students a glance into college life at Lafayette.  

Using a design thinking mindset and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, 9-12th grade high school students will gain a robust understanding of climate change and broader sustainability challenges. These urgent and multifaceted challenges demand leaders with the boldness to match the innovative solutions we must build. Join us in making a difference.

The application for the 2026 Program is not yet open, but we are excited you are interested in applying. Please fill out this interest form so that we can notify you when the application is open.

Students will explore sustainability principles in theory and practice by:

  • Understanding Regenerative Food and Farm Systems: Participants will enjoy sessions at Lafayette College’s 3-acre working farm and community garden. Guided by Food and Farm Manager, Josh Parr, the students will cultivate an understanding of food systems and the work required to get food from ground to plate. Our Farm is the cornerstone of Lafayette’s Sustainable Food Loop.
  • Applying Innovative Thinking: Working with the Dyer Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, participants will take on an environmental challenge and produce an innovative solution of their own to present to their cohort and campus stakeholders.
  • Engaging in Civic Leadership: Being good global citizens starts with learning civic leadership skills that they can bring back to their communities. Attendees will work with the Landis Center for Community Engagement, learning how to take ideas to reality in Lafayette’s local community of Easton, Pennsylvania.
  • Exploring College Life: Experience what Lafayette College has to offer, with the opportunity to meet and learn from professors who focus on areas such as biodiversity, policy, environmental justice, and climate change. Participants will interact with current students, faculty, and staff to get a better understanding of living and learning on a college campus.

Do you have questions about the program?

Who can apply?

We are accepting high school students from around the world. Students are selected based on their interest in pursuing a degree after high school, desire to learn more about sustainability, and demonstrated dedication to high school academics and activities. These qualities should be reflected in the student’s application.

What do I need to apply?

To apply for the program, please have the following ready to submit:

  • Demographic information: name, birth date, pronouns, contact information, high school
  • Parent/Guardian Information: name, phone number, email address
  • Answers to the following short essay questions
    • Tell us about your interest in sustainability. What local or global sustainability challenge would you most like to solve and why?
    • Tell us something interesting about yourself. What makes you get up in the morning and sustains you?
    • How do you think this camp experience will help you in ways other than furthering your educational pursuits?
  • Whether you plan to apply for a scholarship
  • Any questions you may have

What is the application timeline and when does the program run?

The timeline and application for 2026 is not yet open, stay tuned for more details coming this fall.

How much does the program cost?

The Lafayette College Sustainability Camp is offered at the cost of $2,100, which covers room and board, meals, and programming expenses. Scholarships are offered on a limited basis, please include such information in your application.

What does a day at the Sustainability Leadership Summer Camp look like?

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a meal at the Lafayette Dining Hall or on-the-go on the way to our first activity
  • Morning Activity: Explore the campus and community by visiting the Lafayette College Farm or Easton Garden Works, joining a Bike & Boat excursion or an activity with a campus partner.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a local and organic meal in Downtown Easton, on campus, or through a zero waste and local produce demonstration by our dining team.
  • Afternoon Activity: Take a class with a Lafayette professor, participate in a workshop on innovation, civic leadership, or college prep.
  • Sustainability Solution Challenge: Spend some time working with your peers on your solution to a complex sustainability challenge.
  • Dinner: Share a meal with current students representing a wide swath of Lafayette student life and academic backgrounds to discuss life at Lafayette College.
  • Evening Activity: Build bonds with your peers by playing board games, mini golf, museum trips, and more in the local Easton area.

This is an example and activities may vary.

How can I apply?

Your application may be completed through an online form once it become available in the fall of 2025.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Office of Sustainability at sustainability@lafayette.edu 

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Office of Sustainability at sustainability@lafayette.edu

Connect with us

Office of Sustainability

Rockwell Integrated Sciences Center Room 203
746 High Street
Easton PA, 18042
sustainability@lafayette.edu

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