About

The Environmental Studies Summer Youth Institute (ESSYI) is a two-week, college-level interdisciplinary summer program for talented high-school students entering their junior and senior years, or soon to be graduates. ESSYI introduces students to environmental issues and interdisciplinary techniques for addressing environmental problems. Students make new intellectual and emotional connections as they explore current environmental challenges through scientific, social, economic, philosophical, ethical, and political perspectives. The on-campus program is a one credit (4 semester hours) course that serves as an introduction to environmental studies.


Sunday July 12, through Saturday July 25, 2026
ESSYI is a active, collaborative, and transformational educational experience. We believe that ESSYI is the best environmental studies summer academic program for high school students in the country. Our primary goal is to engage students in the process of collaborative environmental problem-solving in ways that help them understand the interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues and viable solutions. Students also clarify and refine their interests regarding college courses, majors, and future career options. Most of our alums say that ESSYI was a turning point for them in terms of knowing what they wanted to pursue in college and beyond.