Sustainability Goes to College in Latin American Countries

A new initiative aimed at universities in Latin American countries has been launched by the World Environment Center (WEC), a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable development. Called "Pathways to Cleaner Production in the Americas: Educating Future Professionals" , the initiative is supported by the U.S. Department of State in partnership with Higher Education for Development (HED).

The project covers seven countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Peru. The idea is to combine environmental and engineering education and send students to work with local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who operate sustainably. For companies, the project offers an opportunity to develop young talent and key skills that are needed in sustainable industrial development.

"As economies grow from individual enterprises to regional networks and markets, so must sustainability education march along with it and in support of it," said Dr. Terry F. Yosie, WEC's President & CEO."This hemispheric educational initiative is a logical extension of WEC's mission to further sustainability through innovative partnerships, leveraging so many of our already existing relationships and magnifying the regional efforts to strengthen economies and societies."

WEC will implement these activities in partnership with the Illinois Institute of Technology, the New York Institute of Technology, and the National Cleaner Production Center in each country to work toward regional goals set forth by the U.S. Department of State.

Image credit: WEC