By Gregory Wallace
In 1986, a one of a kind university was founded in Guácimo, Limón, Costa Rica. Created in response to the political and economic turbulence in the region, EARTH University was born out of a desire contribute to sustainable development throughout the world, with a particular emphasis on Latin American.
A private, international non-profit university, EARTH grants degrees in agronomy, the science of the use of plants for food, fuel, feed, fiber, and reclamation. Since its founding, EARTH has produced more than 1,400 graduates dedicated to stimulating economic growth while promoting environmental stewardship and social well-being.
The university was chartered by a partnership between the W. K. Kellogg foundation and the Costa Rican government, with initial funding from the United States Agency for International Development. Today, the university receives its funding principally from the nonproftt EARTH University Foundation based in Atlanta. A major part of EARTH’s mission is to provide education for deserving young people who lack the financial resources to attend college. To that end, EARTH finances 50 percent of the costs for all its students.
EARTH focuses on empowering emerging leaders throughout the region. Its curriculum is based around what the university calls its “four key pillars:” entrepreneurship, environmental and social consciousness, ethical values, and scientific and technical knowledge.
Students work hands on with professors and local farms to learn agricultural methods that protect natural resources while increasing productivity. Student teams are required to develop an agribusiness during their first year to hone their entrepreneurial skills. The students then run this program through their third year.
At the end of their third year, students leave campus and take part in a 15-week internship program with a host organization such as a business, NGO, or farm. This program is considered a crucial component of an EARTH student’s practical education. The intention is that students apply all the skills and knowledge that they have acquired in their first three years at EARTH toward the internship. In turn, they gain valuable real-world experience to reflect and draw upon during their final academic year.
The university currently has three such interns in Georgia. Third year Costa Rica student Dadney Bogantes is assisting in farm management at Bland Farms, an industry-leading producer of Vidalia Sweet Onions headquartered in Glennville, Georgia. María Angélica Bonilla, also from Costa Rica, is in the department of horticulture at the University of Georgia working in greenhouse management. Finally, Evelyn Coc from Belize is interning at UGA’s engineering center, working on bio fuels and life-cycle analysis.
In addition, EARTH has two graduates working for Bland Farms as agronomists. Marco Rojas (class of 1999) is originally from Costa Rica. Monica Del Cid (class of 2006) from Guatemala oversees Bland’s sustainable farming practices and green initiatives, as well as assisting in crop supervision.
Further strengthening the Atlanta connection is the Buckead-based EARTH University Foundation. Incorporated in 1989, the foundation works to support the education vision of EARTH University through gifts, contributions, programs and other initiatives. The foundation also provides many unique opportunities for Atlantans to become involved with and contribute to EARTH.
Besides contributing financially, Atlanta residents can also participate in local fundraising events. On Oct. 14, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Pillars of EARTH Sustainable Leadership Awards will honor civic and business leaders from Georgia. On Nov. 13, run for EARTH, a 15K and 5K trail race, will take place to benefit EARTH University. EARTH also encourages and assists individuals in hosting smaller events, such a local organic potluck dinner, in support of the University,
EARTH University brand products are also sold at Whole Foods Market. All the products are grown or made by students, graduates, faculty, or community partners with profits supporting scholarships, research and university operations.
EARTH also offers opportunities for supporters to visit the university’s campus and take classes, explore the nature preserve, and experience campus life alongside its students. Currently, the university has short courses scheduled from Oct. 25 to 29 in communications and filmmaking for social and economic development. Atlanta-based companies and organizations can also host interns for a 15-week period. For more information on EARTH University and the EARTH University Foundation, including how to volunteer or register for upcoming events, visit www.earth-usa.org
