The American College of Greece

Introduction

Following our 2023 donation to the Lesvos Mission Blue project, our Foundation awarded a new grant to The American College of Greece (ACG) in January 2025 to support an Educational Field Course at the Prespes Lakes and surrounding ecosystems in northwest Greece.

This course, aligned with ACG’s commitment to transformative education, offers students a unique opportunity for hands-on learning. Through fieldwork, in-situ research, and direct contact with natural ecosystems, participants gain practical, technical, and transferable skills vital for future careers in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Utilization of donation

The donation supports the delivery of an immersive, week-long field course set in the ecologically rich landscape of the Prespes Lakes. Known for its biodiversity and natural significance, the area will serve as an open-air classroom where students explore real-world environmental issues through experiential learning. Scheduled for May 2025, the course will blend scientific inquiry with community engagement to create a meaningful educational experience.

Students will carry out research activities such as environmental data collection, biodiversity monitoring, and ecosystem service evaluation. These hands-on tasks deepen understanding of ecological systems while building essential technical and analytical skills. Small-group case study work will further promote critical thinking and practical approaches to conservation.

A core aspect of the program is its collaboration with local stakeholders, from farmers and school groups to environmental organizations, gaining insight into the interconnected social, economic, and ecological dimensions of sustainability. These exchanges add relevance and help build a strong sense of environmental responsibility.

Offered through ACG’s Liberal Education program, the course welcomes students from a variety of academic backgrounds. It emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and key competencies like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, all of which are essential for students' academic and professional growth.

Finally, course findings and student reflections will be shared across the ACG community and beyond, extending the program’s impact well beyond the field experience.