Faculty members at Penn State Wilkes-Barre prioritize sustainability and strive to help students learn how their course work supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum at Penn State Wilkes-Barre is supportive of each of the 17 sustainable development goals. Sustainability is rooted in the following foundational programs, courses, and initiatives.
First-Year Seminar (PSU 08)
All Penn State Wilkes-Barre Students begin learning about sustainability in the First-Year Seminar. As part of the First-Year Seminar curriculum, students are introduced to the concepts behind global sustainability. They also learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and our campus sustainability efforts. Through this curriculum, students become a fully integrated part of our campus work to prioritize sustainability.
Foundations of Leadership in Sustainability (SUST 200)
Foundations of Leadership in Sustainability is a General Education course that also serves as an introduction to and foundation for the Sustainability Leadership minor. The goal of this course is to provide students with a foundation in sustainability literacy and responsibility that will facilitate their development as global citizens and sustainability leaders in their respective fields and personal lives.
Issues in Sustainability (SUST 242N)
Issues in Sustainability is a General Education course that is part of the Penn State Wilkes-Barre Honors Program curriculum. This interdomain course allows students to explore the roots of sustainability in literature and a variety of historical and current local, national, and international texts. The course fosters an awareness of the key discussions about sustainability in society today and allows students to develop a critical awareness of how debates about sustainability are shaped through the written and spoken word.
Minor in Sustainability Leadership
The Sustainability Leadership minor is designed for students who wish to promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability in their personal and professional lives. Students in this minor cultivate awareness of the interrelated societal and global issues that must be ethically and comprehensively addressed to ensure a sustainable future. The skills developed in this minor position students to stand out as future community, industry, and educational leaders.
Penn State Wilkes-Barre Lion CUB Academy College Transition Program
Penn State Wilkes-Barre understands the importance of embodying the concepts of sustainability and expanding sustainable education beyond the campus. The Lion CUB Academy provides an academic college transition program to local high school students from underrepresented demographics and backgrounds. This program is supported by the Luzerne Intermediate Unit and local school districts. In addition to fulfilling the UN Sustainable Development Goals of reduced inequalities and quality education, the Lion CUB Academy introduces students to the concepts behind global sustainability. Upon graduation, students are poised to successfully transition to college life and contribute to sustainability efforts across college campuses and their communities.
