The Fordham University department of theology just launched a new and funded Theology and Earth Initiative, a summer program that will provides graduate and undergraduate students with hands-on experience at the intersection of theology and the environment.
One of the program’s defining characteristics, as according to the Fordham department of theology chair Brenna Moore, is its inclusion of paid experiential learning opportunities, including research-based internships and project positions. Depending on the role, the program also offers stipends ranging from $2,500 to $5,000.
“I am just so thrilled that we have the support to enable our students that it is our priority for our students to have transformational educational experiences that are deeply rooted in theology and the environment,” Moore said.
The launch of the initiative was made possible by a donor gift from Margaret Sharkey, School of Professional and Continuing Studies (PCS) ’15, Maria del Pilar Ocasio- Douglas, FCRH ’88 and Gary Douglas, according to Moore. Sharkey’s interest in the intersection of theology and the environment was initiated by former theology professor Elizabeth Johnson, C.S.J. During her time at Fordham’s Adult Learning Continued Education Program, Sharkey had been enrolled in one of Johnson’s graduate seminars on ecological theology, where she was inspired by what the course taught her about how faith and theology frame peoples’ understanding and knowledge of the natural world. As according to Moore, the program is open to all graduate and undergraduate students, although priority is given to students pursuing either a major or minor in theology. The initiative offers opportunities tailored to the undergraduate and graduate students.
The program has a total of five paid opportunities for undergraduate students. One of the opportunities is at the Bethany Center Hudson Valley, which does involve working with Erin Lothes, Ph.D., a graduate of the Fordham theology department. According to a document detailing the program, participants will support a recently relaunched environmental center and campus in Highland Mills, New York, that is dedicated to be “advancing integral theology.” Interns will be tasked with assisting the center with its “strategic priorities in environmental education, theology, faith-based sustainability advocacy and creative research.” There are two spots available for this internship.
The second opportunity, also available for the two students, is based with LSA Family Health Service in East Harlem, where students will explore the intersection of environmental justice and public health within urban communities.
“Interns will work with Casa Paso, a summer program for children co-run by LSA Family Health Service, Dr. Cappy Collins [NYC pediatrician], and public health advocate,” the document had outline. The internship does involve community-based work that is with the camp and also environmental justice teams.
The third opportunity for the undergraduate student, which is open to one student, is an independent summer research project. This project would involve the faculty-mentored research which is for students who have a “well-developed” research idea that is related to the intersection of theology and the environment. This faculty-mentored research would entail a range of factors, including the production of a roughly 35-page research paper by the end of the summer semester. This position is available only to students returning to campus in the upcoming fall semester.
There are three positions for graduate students, which includes research with Lothes, supported graduate research and also a part-time summer Project Manager role.
Moore had explained the importance with providing students hands-on opportunities.
“We know that the hands-on — getting out there, meeting people, doing the work and reflecting theologically on that work — is the kind of experience that can transform a student’s life,” Moore said.
Moore had noted that she hopes to receive a variety of applications to the initiative and that it is not limited to theology majors, even though they are given preference.
“We hope we get a nice, wide array of interests from interested students,” Moore said. “We are hoping to be able to prioritize students who are majors and minors in theology or are interested in potentially a minor in theology … It’s open to anybody … even if you’re not majoring or minoring in theology.”
Moore explained her goal for the program is to help students figure out their future professional plans.
“I think it is just so excitingly mission central in that we train students to not only be change-makers in the world but to do so from a place of depth and wisdom,” Moore had concluded.
