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An experiential
program designed to provide
University of Arizona students with
real world opportunities to develop
workforce-relevant skills by
engaging with the community on
water-related issues in partnership
with local Tucson 501(c)3 non-profit
Watershed
Management Group.
The complex and intertwined social,
economic and environmental challenges
of the 21st century demand a workforce
proficient in broad range of skills
and knowledge. Given the complexity of
these emerging challenges, a typical
education that provides a foundation
in math, science, reading, language
arts, and humanities seems to no
longer be sufficient to meet workforce
demands. These days, employers
increasingly value “engagement
skills” related to personality,
communication, critical thinking,
creative innovation and the ability to
work in teams.
In Arizona, the Southwest, and dryland
regions worldwide, water is a key
integrator touching many core aspects
of our everyday lives. Therefore,
especially in these dryland regions,
both the academic community and the
public are exceedingly connected to
and interested in tackling
water-related issues, but often with
diverse and even conflicting
perspectives. Bringing together these
communities in addressing these
challenges requires unique skills that
cannot be learned in the classroom. By
engaging with the public in addressing
urgent water issues, we create
meaningful experiential learning
opportunities that make use of the
knowledge gained from a traditional
education, but that also highlight the
need for and develop proficiency in “engagement
skills”. We expect that these
real world experiences will empower
University of Arizona (UA) graduates
to be superior leaders, team members,
and role models for future generations
both in the workforce and as
environmental stewards.
Apply Now! or
contact an internship program
coordinator
for more information: |
Note: The pilot year for this program
(2015-2016) was made possible through
competitive funding awarded to Dr. Shirley
Papuga in the School of Natural Resources and
the Environment through the 100% Student
Engagement Initiative: UA Vice Provost of
Digital Learning and Student Engagement. In
part, this grant funded a group of University
of Arizona faculty (Shirley Papuga, Phil
Guertin, Andrea Gerlak) and Watershed
Management Group staff (Lisa Shipek, Catlow
Shipek, Kieran Sikdar, Karilyn Roach, Elva de
la Torre) to work together in designing the
program. |
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