Want to help build a happier, healthier and more equitable future? Interested in a career in sustainability but not sure where to start?
Explore topics in sustainability and social justice during an unforgettable week-long experiential retreat at Chatham University, including the Eden Hall Campus—the world’s first academic community built to be sustainable from below the ground up.
Open to rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders as well as students leaving 12th grade, Chatham’s Sustainable Leadership Academy provides the chance to:
For the first time this year, now offering two different program dates with two unique themes! Register today—both programs have limited seats.
Register TodayMy definition of sustainability absolutely changed from before this program. I didn’t really know about the triple bottom line or the social equity aspect of sustainability.
—SLA Student Testimonial
The June program will be filled half with Japanese high schoolers and half with American high schoolers. We will focus on global sustainability through activities related to UN climate efforts, international aid, global business supply chains, cultural exchange amongst program participants and more.
All seats in the July program are open for anyone across the country or world to enroll. We will focus on local sustainability through Western PA examples related to neighborhood revitalization and gentrification, urban agriculture, small businesses, community-scale renewable energy initiatives and more.
In summer 2023, SLA participants will all either live on Chatham’s Shadyside Campus in the city of Pittsburgh, or on the Eden Hall Campus in Gibsonia, PA, a 35 minute drive north of the city. We will update all registered participants on the intended program host campus ASAP.
Explore Locations : Checkerboard 3 - Where You Will LiveYou will explore the intersection between environment, economy, and equity through experiential learning site visits across the Pittsburgh region and on-campus sessions. We cultivate opportunities with real world sustainability professionals that will encourage you to think critically. Experiences are debriefed in facilitated dialogue, where we unpack the way identity influences how we show up as sustainable leaders.
View Curriculum & Schedule : Checkerboard 4 - What You Will Learn
The Global Lens program costs $1325 and the Local Lens program costs $1500. Both programs include meals, outings, art and outdoor education classes, and Chatham swag (including a t-shirt). Price also includes six nights’ accommodations plus linens for the June program and eight nights’ accommodations (no linens) for the July program. Full and partial need-based scholarships are available. Note: The schedule is tentative and subject to change. $150 deposit due upon registration. Balance due by April 15, 2023. Full refunds are available until June 1, 2023. After that date, we are unable to provide refunds.
Learn About Scholarships : Checkerboard 5 - Cost & Scholarships
Named for Chatham's most famous alumna, environmental icon Rachel Carson ’29, the Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award is awarded to deserving students nominated from high schools nationally and internationally who embody the spirit of Rachel Carson in their dedication to sustainability and community development. Winners receive a discounted price to SLA, a $5,000 merit scholarship (renewable annually) to Chatham University, and more.
Learn About the Award : Checkerboard 6 - Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award
Learn more about the SLA, including scholarship opportunities and first-hand testimonials from current Chatham students, past program participants, faculty and staff! This information session is primarily intended for Black male high schoolers, but students with all race and gender identities are welcome. This virtual information session will be held over Zoom on Thursday, January 19 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Stay informed about travel, transportation, and other requirements, and learn more about emergency contacts, travel, transportation, spending money, and options for second year SLA participants.
View Additional Info : Checkerboard 8 - Additional Information
Before attending the Sustainable Leadership Academy, all families must sign a consent form that confirms they read the COVID-19 protocols and are willing to comply.
View COVID Protocols : Checkerboard 9 - COVID Protocols
For any questions, please email Kelly Henderson, Sustainable Leadership Academy Director, or call 412-365-2416. To request information from a Chatham admissions counselor, complete our request for information form by clicking the button below.
Request Info : Checkerboard 10 - Contact Us & Request Info
