New high school sustainability project launches this summer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – UF Young Entrepreneurs for Leadership & Sustainability is pleased to announce the launch of its Summer 2012 pilot program: Gainesville Summer Service Project.

This project allows high school students in the Gainesville-area to learn about innovation and sustainability while serving as volunteers with local organizations. It also provides an opportunity for students to fulfill community service requirements for Bright Futures Scholarships, and International Baccalaureate Creative-Active-Service hours or other opportunities requiring volunteer hours. Students earn 100 community service hours upon the program’s completion.

The YELS: Gainesville Summer Service Project spans five weeks (June 25 – July 27) from 8:30am to 1pm weekdays only. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are provided each day. The program will be partnering with local restaurants so that their food is produced as locally as possible and waste will be composted with Gainesville Compost.

The YELS: Gainesville Summer Service Project is sponsored by the Innovative Sustainability & Social Entrepreneurship Initiative, the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Warrington College of Business Administration and the University of Florida’s Office of Sustainability & Center for Leadership & Service. The program will partner with two local nonprofits this year: Rebuilding Together North Central Florida/Community Weatherization Coalition and Forage Farm at Alachua Conservation Trust’s Prairie Creek Preserve.

Interested students can apply or fill out an interest form for updates.

For more information, please visit our website, contact Program Director Dr. Kristin Joos or Program Assistant Brittney Beck via email or call 352-273-0355.