EarthOne
As the MC² framework continued to expand over the years, EarthOne was added in 2005 with the specific goal of encouraging inner city youth, ages 15-19, (high school sophomores to seniors), to really become interested in environmental issues, and with solid support, to become well educated in the subject.
The educational structure of EarthOne follows a similar path, (after-school and Saturday programming) as the other MC² programs, however, it is different in the sense that it is a three-year program beginning with high school sophomores and concluding when those sophomores graduate as seniors. Each year expands on various aspects of the environmental issues.
An overview
All MC² programs target the average “C” student, and below, not the AP student, and EarthOne is no exception. At its base, the program focuses on Business - Finance. Special job-focused certifications can be earned in conjunction with the “institute for sustainable energy” house at Eastern Connecticut State University, and through the engineering department at Manchester Community College.
EarthOne accumulates added credits towards a high school diploma which certainly assists with college entrance upon completion of the program. EarthOne, when possible, is run on college campuses which offers solid interaction with college-age tutors at a ratio of 1 tutor to every two high school students.
Instructors for the environmental courses are qualified in the field of environmental issues. Completion of this three-year course can result in scholarships toward continued post high school education period
Field trips, hands-on workshops, and internship opportunities are built into the programming. EarthOne, therefore, is more than classroom study alone, though some of the tutoring each day is focused on keeping required course subjects (from the high school curriculum) at a solid acceptable level. One does not simply focus on “environmental” subjects at the expense of core subjects.
A key component in EarthOne will be “involved” parents/guardians. It will be required that a minimum of 5-10 families support the work of each 30 students. One might call it a mini PTA or PTO. Of course, the “ideal” would be that the parents are guardians of each student take an active supporting role in the program.
Overall, EarthOne is designed to push teens toward several options of their own choosing, including Business Administration, Environmental Engineering, Research & Development, Teaching, or direct job certifications. Choosing a focus which will lead to fulfilling one's potential is the goal.
One's mind can be broadened in using logic, and solving everyday problems, and developing career goals. Sister programs include career one and Math-Genius.