Leadership Programs

  

About

During the spring semester, the Office of Sustainability conducts three leadership programs designed to engage GU students, employees, and the Spokane community on sustainability and the impacts of climate change on our community. These leadership programs not only encourage participants to lead more sustainable lives; they also are a great way to get involved in sustainability right here in Spokane! Our programs are the Student Sustainability Leadership Program (SSLP), Employee Sustainability Ambassadors (ESA), and Resiliency Academy (RA). All three programs are offered 100% cost-free!

 

Throughout the span of the programs, participants will interact with seven sustainability themes, including land and water conservation, environmental justice, and waste reduction. Over the span of just four months, participants will hear from influential guest speakers, volunteer with sustainability-focused organizations, and build community through discussions and group work.

 

This program partners with multiple local Spokane-based organizations to get a wide variety of perspectives and opportunities to engage in fun volunteering events. Some of the organizations we will feature for the 2026 programs include Spokane Zero Waste,  WaterWise Spokane, Lands Council, Growing Neighbors, and more! 

For GU Students

Student Sustainability Leadership Program

The Student Sustainability Leadership Program (SSLP) is a spring semester, zero-credit internship that equips students with the resources, connections, and skills they need to lead eco-conscious lives and be ambassadors for sustainability at Gonzaga. This includes engaging with topics like land and water conservation, waste reduction, and environmental justice. Through this program, students will:

  • Dive deep into topics around sustainability through discussion and community interaction

  • Participate in community volunteering events, 

  • site tours, and local outreach

  • Interact with guest speakers from organizations like Feed Spokane, Spokane Zero Waste, and WaterWise

 

In addition to this, students will have the opportunity to research, develop, and implement a sustainability-related project that furthers Gonzaga’s sustainability mission. Find some of the past SSLP projects around campus!

 

Previous projects include: 

  • Xeriscaping the lawn of the Office of Sustainability

  • Creating a sustainable community gathering plaza with drought-tolerant plants and tables

  • Developing an off-campus composting pilot program

  • Creating a Green Event Certification Plan for all Gonzaga events

 

SSLP will meet once/week for one hour. Applications to SSLP will open October 15th. For now, nominate up to three students for SSLP at the link below.

Link to Apply: COMING SOON

Link to Nominate a Student for SSLP

 

For GU Employees

Employee Sustainability Ambassadors

The Employee Sustainability Ambassadors (ESA) is a springtime leadership program offered to GU employees to prepare them to lead eco-conscious professional and personal lives and be better equipped as ambassadors of sustainability. Through ESA, participants will hear from sustainability-driven organizations in Spokane, connect through activities and off-site volunteering, and build a toolbox of sustainable habits. All staff and faculty at Gonzaga are encouraged to participate in forming connections with other employees and the greater Spokane sustainability community! 

 

Through this program, employees will have the chance to learn about Gonzaga’s sustainability initiatives based off Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ goals, interact with nonprofits from Spokane, and have meaningful discussions about sustainability with peers. Upon completion of this program, participants will receive a certificate of completion and a toolbox of skills to help them live more sustainably. 

 

ESA will meet once a week for one hour from January to April. Applications to ESA will open October 15th! The link will be below.

Link to Apply: COMING SOON

Link to Nominate an Employee for ESA 

  

For Spokane Community Members

Resilience Academy

The Resilience Academy (RA) program is a cost-free, low-commitment program for members of Spokane’s diverse community to come together to become better leaders of sustainability in their own communities. Participants will build eco-conscious habits through discussions with neighbors and organizations, building relationships with their peers and the land around them, and learning about sustainability initiatives through activities and volunteer service. 

 

RA members will have the chance to hear from local organizations, get their hands dirty in sustainability work, and make a difference in their communities! Upon completion of this program, participants will receive a certificate of completion and a toolbox of skills to help them live more sustainably. 

 

RA will meet once weekly for one hour from January to April. Applications for RA will open October 15th. For now, nominate up to three community members at the link below!

Link to Apply: COMING SOON

Link to Nominate a Community Member for RA