FOR COLLEGES & FUNDERS

Nature Connect College Initiative

Environmental Literacy for Future Educators

The Nature Connect College Initiative is a place-based environmental education program designed for integration into teacher preparation programs and higher education classrooms.

Developed by Funki Shui Design, the program equips future educators with the tools to teach environmental literacy through experiential learning, cultural ecology, and real-world connection to place.

Our pilot launch begins in Seattle, partnering with Evergreen State College to embed nature-based learning directly into educator training pathways.

WHY THIS WORK MATTERS

Teacher preparation programs often do not include sufficient training in environmental literacy or experiential learning. As a result, many new educators enter classrooms without the tools to teach students how to understand ecological systems or their relationship to place.

Nature Connect addresses this gap by making environmental education:

  • Embedded in teacher training, not optional

  • Experiential, not purely theoretical

  • Culturally responsive and place-based

  • Accessible to diverse student populations

This aligns with national priorities identified by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Environmental Education Foundation.

WHAT COLLEGES RECEIVE

Partner institutions receive a complete implementation package, including:

Curriculum Integration

  • Nature Connect curriculum books and teaching materials

  • Ready-to-use modules for education and environmental courses

  • Faculty implementation guides

Teaching Support

  • Visiting educator-led workshops and residencies

  • Classroom facilitation and co-teaching support

  • Training for faculty integration

Student Learning Experience

  • Experiential, place-based learning activities

  • Outdoor and campus-based ecological exploration

  • Reflection and systems-thinking exercises

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Through a 12-month pilot implementation, participating colleges can expect:

  • 500–750 students engaged

  • 50–100 future teachers trained in environmental pedagogy

  • 10–15 higher education partners

  • Faculty trained in integrating environmental literacy into coursework

  • A replicable model for long-term curriculum adoption

PARTNERSHIP MODEL

Nature Connect is designed for flexible integration into existing academic structures, including:

  • Teacher education programs

  • Environmental studies departments

  • Interdisciplinary general education courses

  • Community engagement or service-learning programs

We work directly with faculty to ensure seamless integration into existing syllabi and institutional goals.

FUNDING & IMPLEMENTATION

The Nature Connect College Initiative is currently seeking funding and institutional partners to support its pilot program

  • Curriculum production and distribution

  • Educator stipends and teaching residencies

  • Program coordination and evaluation

  • College partnership development

Fiscal sponsorship is in progress through a 501(c)(3) partner.

LET’S PARTNER

We are actively seeking:

  • Colleges and universities interested in pilot implementation

  • Foundations supporting environmental education and teacher development

  • Institutional partners committed to equity in education and sustainability

To explore partnership or funding opportunities, please contact:

Erin Alexander
Founder, Funki Shui Design
erin@funkishui.org
[funkishui.org]