The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today a new partnership with Delaware State University that will strengthen the environmental sciences curriculum and professional development at the university, and support sustainable environmental initiatives campus-wide and in the local community.

At a Nov. 29 ceremony at the University, DSU President Dr. Harry L. Williams and Mid-Atlantic EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin signed a memorandum of understanding formalizing the new partnership. The MOU establishes an EPA-founded program called LEAP -- Linking Environmental and Academic Programs -- at the university.

 “Environmental stewardship has become a solid part of the University’s character. It is part of our thinking and planning in everything we do,” said DSU President Harry L. Williams. “This partnership is consistent with that institutional character, as it will expose our students to EPA internships, provide opportunities for faculty, and strengthen DSU’s environmental work on campus as well as its outreach in the community and the state.

“EPA recognizes the importance of partnering with academic institutions to build capacity and provide a forum for discussing emerging environmental issues with future leaders,” said Mr. Garvin. “This partnership will link education, outreach and hands-on work experience to strengthen interest in environmental careers and encourage environmentalism.”

Specifically the partnership will:

• Support and promote student recruitment, internships, career development and employment in agricultural and environmental sciences, as well as related fields;
• Enhance faculty professional development in agricultural and environmental sciences, as well as related fields;
• Support the enhancement of DSU’s environmental sciences curriculum;
• Enhance the involvement in sustainable environmental initiatives within the DSU campus community and surrounding off-campus communities;
• Support capacity building efforts directed to increase DSU’s participation in federal programs at the EPA;
• And coodinate summer environmental programs for local high school students and DSU students