Jovanna Robinson-Hidas

October 17, 2014

Empowering through Environmental Education

With rising sea levels, loss of biodiversity, and extreme weather, there is no denying that climate change is real and effects all of us. But is there something we can do? This summer, Jovanna, under the guidance of Kate Ballantine of the Environmental Studies Department at Mount Holyoke College, explored that very question. She created a restoration ecology summer scholars program for high school girls in the South Hadley/Springfield area. By creating an interest in the environment through education, Jovanna attempted to compel the next generation to care about climate change. This was an opportunity for Jovanna to not only educate and interact with a group of highly intelligent young women, but also learn the ins and outs of program creation. This summer was a combination of communicating with professionals on Mount Holyoke Campus, laying out the backbone of the program, and lesson planning for this program. In the final week, Jovanna led an incredible five day educational program, one in which all of the students covered themselves with mud and waded into thigh high waters with enthusiasm.