Publication Date

Spring 2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Environmental Studies

Advisor

Carolina Prado

Keywords

Community Organizations, COVID-19, Equitable Access, Outdoor Environmental Education, Place-based Learning, Youth of Color

Subject Areas

Environmental education; Environmental justice; Pedagogy

Abstract

Not all children receive adequate education, nor do they have the opportunity to go beyond the four walls of a classroom for learning opportunities. Outdoor environmental education with place-based learning frameworks aims to fully immerse students in nature, while strengthening the connection between schools and communities. This study examines the outdoor environmental education programs of nine agriculture-centered community organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through twenty-one key informant interviews, I assess three essential areas: 1) promotion of environmental literacy and place-based learning, 2) facilitation of equitable access to educational programs, and 3) adaptation of those programs for distance learning due to the COVID- 19 pandemic. Findings highlight the challenges and successes that result from serving diverse populations and creating equitable distance learning modules. Furthermore, this research helps to shed light on the importance of interlacing both traditional and community education in an effort to bolster the support for underrepresented youth.

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