Justice 40

Advancing Environmental and Social Justice through Education: A Call for Continued Investment

Introduction

When the Justice40 recommendations were first announced, Juan Elizondo recognized the call to action. Even before federal funding was fully available, he proactively aligned his initiatives with the goals of Justice40. By leveraging grants from the XQ Super School Project, collaborating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and partnering with the Student Conservation Association and Houston Parks and Recreation Department, he was already addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities.

Aligning Educational Programs with Justice40

Elizondo's work focuses on creating green industry jobs through high school vocational education, specifically with four-year career clusters in Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources, and Environmental Systems at Furr High School. These programs provide students with hands-on experience in environmental stewardship. By the end of their four years, students will have completed nearly 200 hours of programming involving project-based research such as citizen science, organic and permaculture farming, paid internships, and collaborations with professionals and higher education institutions like Texas A&M University.

Students also receive certifications in OSHA 30 and OSHA 40 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training, which prepares them for safe operation during various scenarios involving hazardous substances. In addition The Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management Certification further validates their knowledge and skills in ecological principles and wildlife management.

Portrait of a Graduate and Justice40: A Synergistic Vision

Furr High School's Portrait of a Graduate aligns seamlessly with the goals of the Justice40 initiative, fostering a generation of students who are not only career-ready but also committed to environmental justice and sustainability. This alignment is evident through various competencies and experiences that prepare students for meaningful contributions to their communities and the broader goal of environmental equity.

Professional Development for Educators

City Tours and Place-Based Education:

As part of the professional development program, Juan Elizondo creates educational tours around Houston, focusing on the city’s history, social and environmental issues, and art.
These tours provide educators with a balanced perspective, equipping them to implement place-based education projects with their students.
Example: Educators learn about local environmental justice issues, such as food deserts and pollution, and how to address them through classroom projects. This aligns with Justice40 by fostering a deeper understanding of community needs and how to create impactful educational experiences that promote equity and sustainability.

Critical Competencies Aligned with Justice40

Skilled Communicators:

Justice40 emphasizes the importance of community engagement and advocacy. Our graduates are trained to effectively communicate the importance of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, ensuring their voices contribute to public discourse on environmental justice.

Critical Thinkers:

Tackling the complex challenges outlined by Justice40 requires innovative and strategic thinking. Our curriculum encourages students to analyze and address environmental issues critically, fostering the development of solutions that are both effective and equitable.

Innovative Problem Solvers:

Justice40 aims to deliver climate and clean energy benefits to disadvantaged communities. Our graduates engage in hands-on projects, such as urban farming and conservation work, which require creative and practical problem-solving skills to implement sustainable solutions.

Community Leaders:

Furr High School instills a sense of responsibility and leadership in our students. Through involvement in projects like the Houston East End Greenbelt and community gardens, students take on leadership roles that align with Justice40's focus on community-driven environmental improvements.

Responsible Decision-Makers:

Understanding the broader impacts of environmental actions is crucial. Our graduates learn to make decisions that consider the environmental, social, and economic implications, ensuring they contribute to sustainable development goals.

Adaptable and Productive Individuals:

The green economy is dynamic and ever-evolving. Our programs equip students with the flexibility and skills needed to thrive in diverse career paths within the green industry, supporting Justice40's goal of creating sustainable job opportunities
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College-Ready Learners:

Building a foundation for future academic and professional success in STEM fields is a key component of our Portrait of a Graduate. This preparation ensures that students are ready to pursue higher education and careers that further the objectives of Justice40.

Furr High School's Portrait of a Graduate is not just an educational framework; it is a roadmap to achieving the broader goals of Justice40. By cultivating skilled, thoughtful, and proactive individuals, we are contributing to a more just and sustainable future. Continued investment in these programs will ensure that the next generation is equipped to lead the charge in environmental justice and equity.

XQ Super School Project

Transformative Funding:

The $10 million XQ grant (2016-2024) was pivotal in transforming Furr High School into an environmental education leader.
This funding supports innovative programs, internships, and partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to underserved communities.
Example: XQ funding enabled summer eco-adventures where students volunteered in Central America, planting fruit trees and learning about global environmental issues.

Green Job Creation

Vocational Programming at Furr High School:

Our vocational programs in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources equip students with practical skills in sustainable industries.
Students gain hands-on experience through urban farming projects, conservation work, and environmental studies, preparing them for green careers.
Example: Students planted hundreds of trees throughout the years and created vegetable gardens at feeder pattern schools, directly contributing to local food security and environmental health.

Student Conservation Association (SCA):

The partnership with SCA offers paid internships, providing students with real-world experience in conservation and natural resource management.
Example: Throughout the summer and school year, students gain the opportunity to work on crews and projects throughout the city of Houston with partners such as the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Internships:

Every year, we create internships for multimedia interns to produce evergreen educational publications.
These internships allow students to develop skills in creating content that educates the public about conservation and environmental issues, aligning with Justice40's goal of enhancing community engagement and awareness.

HTX Voices:

HTX Voices, founded by Juan Elizondo, is a paid internship program empowering students to tell powerful stories through multimedia production.
Funded by the XQ Super School Project, HTX Voices provides students with opportunities to document their community's cultural, social, and environmental stories.
Example: Students produced documentaries highlighting local environmental issues and community-led solutions, gaining valuable skills in media production and storytelling. This aligns with Justice40 by fostering skills that lead to careers in multimedia production and environmental advocacy.

Teacher Apprenticeship Program 2018-2024:

Funded by the XQ Super School Project, the Teacher Apprenticeship Program supported the agriculture programming at Furr High School.
Teacher apprentices worked weekly with nearly 400 active students enrolled in the vocational program, helping maintain green spaces on campus, the community garden, feeder pattern projects, and city-wide programming.
This initiative ensures that students receive hands-on guidance and mentorship, preparing them for careers in green industries and aligning with Justice40’s goals of workforce development and environmental stewardship.

Partnerships

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

Collaborations provide students with opportunities to engage in wildlife conservation projects, fostering environmental stewardship and introducing them to federal agency careers.
Example: Students have worked on habitat restoration projects, gaining insights into the complexities of ecosystem management and the importance of biodiversity.

Texas A&M University:

The partnership with Texas A&M enhances vocational training with advanced research opportunities and higher education pathways.
Example: Students participate in citizen science projects and environmental assessments, working alongside university researchers to address local environmental challenges.

Houston Parks and Recreation Department:

This collaboration demonstrates how public schools in vocational education can team up with city parks to build resilient food systems, aligning with the goals of Justice40 by fostering community engagement and sustainable practices.

Example: The Houston Parks Department has been a vital partner in establishing the Community Garden at Herman Brown Park. This garden is the largest community garden in the city and state, located across the street from Furr High School. The partnership provides a space for students to practice urban agriculture, contributing to resilient food systems.

Insights from Academic Publications

Our collaboration with Texas A&M University is further strengthened by several academic publications that provide a deeper understanding of our work:

Citizen Science Informed Community Master Planning: This study highlights the role of citizen science in informing community planning processes. Students at Furr High School participated in data collection and analysis, contributing valuable insights that shaped local urban development strategies.
Domestic Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: This research examined the environmental health risks associated with exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban settings. Furr High School students were involved in air quality monitoring and data analysis, gaining firsthand experience in environmental health research.
Interdisciplinary Citizen Science and Design Projects: This publication discusses the integration of citizen science with design thinking to address environmental challenges. Our students collaborated with Texas A&M University researchers on projects that combined scientific inquiry with creative problem-solving, resulting in innovative solutions for community issues.
Impacts of Exposure to Environmental Risks: This study explored the effects of environmental risks on public health, with a focus on underserved communities. Furr High School students engaged in data collection and community outreach, raising awareness about environmental justice and advocating for policy changes .
Confirming Environmental Concerns in Manchester: This research focused on validating the environmental concerns of the Manchester community through participatory-based research. Furr High School students, in collaboration with Texas A&M researchers, collected water samples and conducted surveys to assess the levels of heavy metals in the local environment. The findings confirmed community concerns about industrial pollution and its impact on health, demonstrating the importance of community involvement in environmental research.
The Community in Work: This chapter describes the significant impact of community-based organizations and their collaboration with Furr High School and Texas A&M University. It highlights the on-the-ground work in Houston’s underserved neighborhoods, addressing social vulnerabilities, environmental risks, and the importance of public investment. Engaging students in meaningful community projects and fostering civic participation.

These academic publications not only validate the significance of our projects but also demonstrate the impact of student contributions on advancing scientific knowledge and community well-being.

Conclusion

To sustain and expand these impactful programs, continued funding and investment are crucial. Furr High School's commitment to environmental education and green job training, supported by XQ Super School Project funds and partnerships with SCA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Texas A&M University, embodies the principles of Justice40. By providing students with the skills and opportunities to pursue careers in sustainable industries, these programs not only enhance individual futures but also contribute to the broader goal of environmental justice. Continued funding and investment in these established programs are crucial to expanding their impact and ensuring that the benefits of green investments reach those who need them most.

For more information on Justice40, please visit the White House Environmental Justice website and the Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.