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EPA and Delaware State University embark on new partnership for fostering environmental leaders, stewardship

Release Date: 11/29/2012
Contact Information: Terri White 215-814-5523 white.terri-a@epa.gov

(PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 29, 2012) 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.

“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 EPA’s mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “This partnership will link education, outreach and hands-on work experience to strengthen interest in environmental careers and encourage environmentalism.”

At a campus ceremony today, Regional Administrator Garvin and University President Dr. Harry L. Williams 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.

Since creating LEAP in 2002, EPA’s mid-Atlantic Regional Office has now established partnerships with seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities. For more information about LEAP, https://www.epa.gov/region03/LEAP/index.htm.