Kruse, from Ridgeland, Mississippi, is a fourth-year student in the McIntire School of Commerce. She initially got involved in the program because of her prior experience in advocacy work.

“During my first year, two friends who were involved in the program had heard about my experience in high school working with, and advocating for, sex education in Mississippi, and so they thought that I might have something to add to this program,” Kruse said.

“Ultimately, the goal of the program is for students to learn about environmental science through a native lens,” Kruse said. “Maelee Hearington, another UVA student, and I wrote the curriculum to focus on science, social activism and social justice. We also provide additional resources like workbooks, markers, easels and notebooks.”

Read the rest of this UVA Today story here.