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Addressing Racial Inequities in Environmental Education Programs

Student(s):

Alicia Raftery

Program or Department(s):

  • Program on the Environment
  • University of Washington

Site supervisor(s):

Blair Griffin

Partner(s):

  • Islandwood

Faculty advisor(s):

Eli Wheat, Program on the Environment, University of Washington

Race demographics in environmental education (EE) organizations impact the diversity of perspectives in EE programs, and thereby who is represented in communities being served. The purpose of this study was to understand the primary barriers to racial equity in EE programs, and subsequent gateways to accessing these programs. The broader systemic disparities affecting racial equity can be addressed by understanding how the findings here apply to existing organizations. If the vision of environmental education is to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, addressing racial disparities at various levels in EE, while also finding specific solutions, must be a priority.