What We Do

Place Based Learning

Place Based Learning is education that is rooted in what is local--the unique history, environment, culture and economy of a particular place. The community provides the context for learning, student work focuses on community needs and interests, and community members serve as resources and partners in every aspect of teaching and learning (Rural School and Community Trust, 2003). SWEP incorporates the element of service into our programs, where students plan and implement action projects in the community based on their place based learning investigations. We call this place-based service learning.

TJ Pelletier presenting Meeks Bay Fire Cheif John Pang with his "Got Space" bumper sticker.

K-12 Projects: SWEP works with classrooms and schools to create place-based servicelearning projects which directly enhance academic performance while meeting real community priorities for improving the natural and human environment.

Professional Development: SWEP supports teachers in bringing place-based service-learning projects to their students by providing professional development in workshops ranging from watershed-wide to the needs of one school or grade level.

Internships: SWEP has created the Environmental Stewards Leadership Program in which high school students work directly with community partners on monitoring, restoration and education projects.

Outreach: SWEP works with a wide variety of schools, agencies, organizations, businesses and individuals to bring the place-based service-learning model to the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee River watershed. Much of this work is accomplished through the Tahoe Truckee Regional Education Coalition (TTREC).

For more information on our activities and leadership, please contact Christine McMorrow, SWEP’s Executive Director, at christine@4swep.org or 530-525-9457.

• 530-525-9457 • PO Box 1096, Homewood CA 96141 • Revised 8/21/06