The Basics
What is the Environmental Leadership Lab?
The ELL is an entirely free weekend camping experience near Lafayette, CO, every year in early to mid-September. Its purpose is to bring together students who are enthusiastic about environmental issues from around campus. There are hands-on activities facilitated by instructors, meals, games, and film screenings under the stars.
We are giving first preference to rising sophomores and those who participated last year, but will consider applications from upper-classmen as well. Upper-classmen who are active in environmental issues around campus are encouraged to apply and to share information about how to get more involved in clubs and projects. However, anybody can apply and anyone who is interested should.
Tents, sleeping bags, and transportation will be provided for students that need them.
To apply, click this link. Applications are due May 2, 2024.
What is the purpose of the ELL?
The Environment Leadership Lab seeks to provide a fun and interactive outdoor experience that will foster a greater sense of community among Mines students and faculty who are passionate about environmental issues. The weekend will encourage students to connect with and learn from faculty members and each other, and to dream big about future environmental projects. The Environmental Leadership Lab is designed to feed into the optional Environmental Scholars program, which will prepare students to translate big ideas into reality and to take leadership roles around campus.
What happens during the ELL?
Students will depart campus at 9am on Saturday, September 9th, and arrive at the Rocky Mountain Land Library at around 10am. We will set up camp and have some lunch.
Students will then have the opportunity to choose two workshops in a laid-back setting on a variety of topics from professors. Each workshop lasts approximately an hour and a half, and in-between there will be snacks provided, as well as the chance to play board games, make art, or just relax. The day will conclude with dinner and an film fest under the stars.
On Sunday, after breakfast, we will have breakout sessions to discuss bigger ideas and solicit feedback about additional events or projects throughout the rest of the year. We will break down camp and leave for campus at around 1pm.
What happens after the ELL?
Students who complete the Environmental Leadership Lab will have the option to automatically join the new Environmental Scholars program. This program recognizes students for their advanced leadership skills, and provides a framework for opportunities to develop these skills in future ELL events, higher-level classes, campus organizations, and the local community. Participation in the Environmental Scholars program is entirely self-directed, and will be based solely on your particular interests and passions.
What is Common Name Farms?
Vision from the Common Name Farms Website:
"We are dedicated to nourishing communities of people, animals, plants, and ecologies. To inspire and educate, and empower neighbors of all means to connect with food, plants and the land."
Address: 9849 Isabelle Road, Lafayette, CO 80026
Sponsorship Information
How to Contribute
The ELL Program is looking for in-kind donations from companies or organizations that could help sustain the program's mission for years to come. That could come in the form of tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking equipment, etc.
Additionally, the ELL Program would be interested in financial sponsorship to help offset costs in food, location, and staff. Any amount would be appreciated.
Cost Breakdown
38 Students Attended in 2023, 22 Students Attended in 2022, 33 Students Attended in 2021
- $1000 Land Library Location Rental
- $250 Equipment Rentals
- $500 Food
- $1000 Staff
Student Testimonies
“I really appreciated the chance to connect with other people who are also worried about the environment. I also liked the reading and it felt good to be reminded that being hopeful is good and useful. It helped recenter me for the coming school year and prepare me to be at least a bit hopeful for the future.”
“The ELL is a great weekend away from campus to focus on long-term goals as someone passionate about the environment. There are workshops tailored to different interests and I love how this program is free and a great place to meet people. Thanks!”
“I loved ELL! I feel that the LNT workshop and volunteering were most impactful, and opportunities to hang out and get to know other students I haven't met before. Also just an opportunity to go camping was wonderful. The reading/reflection prompts were good for guiding my mindset for the weekend.”
“I had a great time at ELL. It was a great weekend of learning and growing. The experience really helped me self-reflect. I also loved learning about environmental issues in the workshops. This experience is unique from all of my classes at Mines and I felt refreshed learning and reflecting about environmental issues.”
“ELL has provided me with a greater sense of community and connections to students and staff on campus who share my concerns about the environment and passion to protect it. Through ELL I have solidified my love for environmental work and helping others, keeping me motivated and energized for the school year. Reminding myself why I attend Mines and giving me perspective about the world is something I took away from the experience, this was highlighted most in the service project opportunity.”
Student Impact
Students took a survey before and after the ELL weekend and answered questions on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree) for their degree of agreement with the following statements.
"I feel connected with professors who study environmental issues around campus." A 1.44 point increase in agreement from before to after the ELL weekend.
"I have been able to experience hands-on learning at Mines." A 1.64 point increase in agreement from before to after the ELL weekend.
"I am confident that I could find resources about getting involved in environmental issues on campus." A 1.30 point increase in agreement from before to after the ELL weekend.
"Mines is an environmentally-minded campus." A 0.81 point increase in agreement from before to after the ELL weekend.
"Mines has provided me with opportunities to be creative." A 0.19 point increase in agreement from before to after the ELL weekend.
"Mines has provided me with opportunities to practice leadership skills." A 0.29 point increase in agreement from before to after the ELL weekend.
Contact Us
Interested in partnering with us or have additional questions? Reach out to Dr. Mancus at shannonmancus@mines.edu or Dr. Horan at jwhoran@mines.edu.