ATLANTA – State Representative Mandisha A. Thomas (D-South Fulton) today announced that she will launch the South Fulton Environmental Justice Academy, a five-week summer program focused on educating youth and adults about environmental issues. The academy is currently accepting applications online here; the application period will close at 5 p.m. on June 5, 2023.
“I am thrilled to launch the South Fulton Environmental Justice Academy, an innovative program that will educate and empower our community on crucial environmental issues,” said Rep. Thomas. “Through this virtual summer program, which features an in-person field visit, we aim to cultivate environmental consciousness among both youth and adults, as well as foster a sustainable future for South Fulton and beyond. Together, we can make a positive impact and ensure environmental justice for all.”
The combined youth and adult courses will take place every Thursday from June 8-July 6. The first four afternoon classes will take place virtually and will last 1.5 hours; the final class will feature an afternoon field visit in LaGrange. The summary academy will also offer a certification course from the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper focused on its Aquatic Study Level 3. Acceptance emails will be issued by June 6.
This academy will also reward participants with stipends once they complete the course. Adult participants who complete the five-week course will receive $200 stipends, and youth participants will receive $100 stipends. Participants must attend all of the courses to receive the stipend.
Following the program, participants will have an opportunity to apply for $500 Environmental Justice Scholarship Awards, which will be based on their knowledge of environmental justice and participation in the academy. Two awards will be designated for adults, and two will be awarded to youth participants. Each awardee will have until August 7, 2023, to complete and present an environmental project to the organizers. The adult awardees must complete an environmental project in their subdivision/community, and the youth awardees must complete the project at or for their school.
Academy participants can learn more about the scholarship application process by emailing Mandisha.Thomas@house.ga.gov.
Representative Mandisha A. Thomas represents the citizens of District 65, which includes portions of Coweta, Douglas and Fulton counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications and Industry and Labor committees.
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