School of Sustainability Graduate Culminating Experiences
Student capstone and applied projects from ASU's School of Sustainability.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2
Filtering by
- All Subjects: Watershed restoration
Description
Borderlands Restoration Network (BRN) is a nonprofit organization based out of Patagonia, Arizona, that partners with borderland communities to grow a restorative economy by rebuilding healthy ecosystems, restoring habitat for wildlife, and reconnecting border communities to the land through shared learning. Borderland communities encompass the southern United States and northern Mexico border, and BRN is centered within the Madrean Archipelago, one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world. A core program that BRN offers is the Borderlands Earth Care Youth (BECY). This paid internship-style program focuses on educating and training youth between fifteen and twenty to address the growing environmental and sustainability challenges associated with climate change, habitat fragmentation, aridification, and socio-economic injustices. Through the BECY program, BRN provides a critical opportunity for the Arizona communities of Douglas, Patagonia, Nogales, and Rio Rico. The purpose of this program is critical for borderland communities, given the historical marginalization of these communities. This can be seen with the demographics of these communities as the communities of Douglas, Nogales, and Rio Rico are all over 80% Hispanic/Latino identifying, according to the U.S. Census Bureau information from 2020-2022. With the majority of these communities being Hispanic/Latino, the implementation of an environmental education program that accounts for and supports cultural backgrounds and resources is one that is critical.
The advancement of quality education and networking opportunities in these communities helps to create a diverse conservation sector that will further support the restoration economy in borderland communities. In 2018, BRN completed a survey research project and found that ninety-two percent of overall respondents claimed they were inspired by the BECY program to make sustainable changes in their lives. Respondents reported that the program helped them
“To look at the environment differently, [and] the impact humans can have (positive and negative) on other species’ habitats,” and to recognize the benefits of “...the social aspect of community building, as well as the fundamentals of ecosystem and watershed restoration” on their environment (Anonymous Participants, 2018, BRN Program Evaluation).
These statements showcase the importance of BECY in shaping participants’ views of the environment and the role that they each play as stewards.
Over the course of nine months, the JKLM Sustainability Consulting team completed a project for BRN by using sustainability analysis tools and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) guidelines to provide foundational information and guidance regarding environmental education curriculum development, program evaluation, and program expansion to assist BRN in achieving its youth education program expansion goals. The deliverable of the consultation project was an updated and enhanced BECY curriculum and related activities guide to be used in Summer 2023.
ContributorsSene, Jordan (Author) / Napper, Kayla (Author) / Meeker, Laney (Author) / Fabara, Marshall Morgan (Author)
Created2023-04-26
Description
Step-By-Step Strategic Consulting is the professional consulting organization being created by Tanya Rincon and Kindra Maples in Phoenix, Arizona. Taking the initial steps into entrepreneurship is difficult without a guide or professional network to lean on and Step-By-Step plans to be there to make it more attainable. This organization functions with sustainable business practices as the foundation of every decision that is made. Beyond the assumed assistance that comes with partnering with a consulting service, Step-By-Step is dedicated to developing and fostering a network of values aligned startups and entrepreneurs that are prepared to support one another. The classic approach to capitalism has created incredible innovation for our world as a whole but it has also created massive issues for our environment and the communities that each organization serves. Sustainability issues are pervasive in every community, ecosystem, and economy yielding complex worldwide problems. As the business world shifts to supporting a new generation, it’s important to build resilient organizations prepared for the dynamic landscape that is currently forming. While the profession of business consulting and startup accelerators is not new, a new type of strategic business thinker is coming to be in the form of sustainable business practices. Step-By-Step Strategic Consulting aims to provide an additional option in the strategic consulting world, with sustainability at the center. Additionally, a roadmap has been created to provide a clear plan for future investors, clients, and employees. This plan includes a specific timeline detailing necessary steps to become a legitimate business legally, development plans for each business partner, and steps necessary for securing funding and strategic investors.
Graduate Culminating Experience Sharing Permissions Agreement
Mission: Step-By-Step guides and supports startup clients through the various stages of strategic growth with sustainable business practices as the foundation of success to create a positive impact environmentally, socially, and financially.
Vision: A collaborative network of values aligned organizations working together to accomplish their individual goals, while also supporting the success of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Graduate Culminating Experience Sharing Permissions Agreement
Mission: Step-By-Step guides and supports startup clients through the various stages of strategic growth with sustainable business practices as the foundation of success to create a positive impact environmentally, socially, and financially.
Vision: A collaborative network of values aligned organizations working together to accomplish their individual goals, while also supporting the success of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
ContributorsRincon, Tanya (Writer of accompanying material)
Created2020-05-18