Education

The Trinity River Crew offers Dallas teens paid, hands-on environmental experience, focusing on restoration, data collection, and education. Launched in 2021, the program targets underserved youth, providing both economic mobility and ecological awareness through partnerships with Trinity Park Conservancy and Greenspace Dallas.

The Coppell High School Eco Club will host its first public event, the Sustainability Summit, on Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. The event, supported by the Dallas Sierra Club and Meaningful Movies Project, will feature a screening of *The Story of Plastic* and a panel discussion on plastic usage and reduction.

North Texas school districts emphasize environmental education through diverse curricula. Dallas ISD incorporates conservation, eco-friendly practices, and subjects like Aquatic Science. Fort Worth ISD focuses on renewable resources and environmental impacts, with initiatives like the Trinity River Turtle Survey and school gardens.

After watching the documentary *Catching the Sun*, Tracy Wallace and Mark McCollum founded Green Careers Texas in 2016 to promote solar power and provide solar industry training for low-income individuals in Dallas. They overcame challenges to create a training facility, supporting career paths and fostering community resilience.

The 13th annual Sustainability Summit at Dallas College on Nov. 1 features keynotes by Malawian author William Kamkwamba, known for "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind." The event, focusing on sustainability at local to international levels, includes breakout sessions on education, urban impact, Texas initiatives, and national progress.

Georgeann Moss, a sustainability pioneer at Dallas College, retired after 25 years. Starting as a media relations specialist, she created the Sustainability Team and advanced to Senior Director of Sustainability. She led key initiatives like the Sustainability Summit and plans to remain active in environmental projects post-retirement.

The 13th annual DFW Solar Tour returns in-person on Oct. 1, after two years online. Hosted by the North Texas Renewable Energy Group, this free event showcases six locations promoting renewable energy education. Highlights include advanced solar homes and insights into energy storage and financing options.

Heather van Waasbergen, inspired by River Legacy Nature Center, plans to become a wildlife veterinarian. She received the Ned Fritz Scholarship, celebrating her environmental commitment and Unitarian values. Van Waasbergen aims to address global warming impacts on wildlife, studying at the University of California, Davis.

Dallas College's Sustainability Department hires Faye Davis and Neil Kaufman as assistant directors. Davis focuses on outreach, while Kaufman addresses urban agriculture. The department aims for coordinated efforts across campuses, achieving the STARS sustainability assessment. The restructuring enhances team collaboration, striving for effective sustainability initiatives.

Stephen F. Austin State University launches an online sustainability degree this fall, focusing on training sustainability coordinators. The program covers disciplines like sociology and geography, offering internships and certification. A master's program is planned for spring. It aims to attract remote students and offers practical sustainability initiatives.