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In the early days of the 1980's, following the first Earth Day and the creation of environmental studies curricula at some of the nation's top universities, there came a growing acknowledgement of the critical need to sustainably manage the development of the world's remaining natural resources. To some, it was becoming increasingly clear that the ranks of conservationists charged with the future stewardship of our planet must include not only scientists but also informed and concerned individuals from all walks of life worldwide.
At the time, there were few, if any, organized efforts to address a widespread environmental illiteracy among young people and to prepare tomorrow's leaders to successfully assume responsibility for managing critical resources. Based on this reality, a small group of individuals met on October 23, 1980 to establish an educational organization to address these needs. As they prepared and debated by-laws and articles of incorporation, the group immediately faced the need to name their new endeavor. Discussions centered around whether to invoke a traditional, solid sounding name such as School for Field Research or to go with a snappier “modern” name such as Eco-Expeditions, Quest or Bionomics. Ultimately, the group settled on The School for Field Studies and, in the summer of 1981, sent their first group of 75 students into the field.
The Mission Statement that evolved from that October 1980 meeting read, in part, as follows.
The mission of the School is to serve young people by providing a challenging and motivating experience in a stimulating environment. The following goals are sought: To increase participants' understanding of Man's relationship to the geophysical and cultural world; To provide an experience that enhances personal/social growth and maturation; To increase students' knowledge in a scientific discipline and expose participants to the scientific method; To increase their willingness and ability to take responsibility for themselves and the world around them.
Today, with more than twenty-five years of programming behind us, The School for Field Studies is known throughout the United States as the premier environmental study abroad program for undergraduates. Over fifty colleges and universities are affiliated with SFS and over 13,000 students from the US and abroad have participated in our programs. SFS now has permanent, fully-staffed field stations in Australia, Costa Rica, Kenya, Mexico and the Turks & Caicos Islands. Our faculty and directors maintain close research relationships with the communities in which we are located. Although much has changed, the core values of SFS remain the same and are reflected in our current Vision and Mission Statements.
Vision Statement
The School for Field Studies envisions a world where people participate in the responsible, sustainable stewardship of our environment and share a commitment to actions that promote the well-being of the natural world and human communities.
Mission Statement
With almost three decades of environmental work behind us, The School for Field Studies is known today as a leader in field-based international education. SFS alumni, now more than 13,000 strong, are making valuable contributions in a multitude of professions throughout the world.
The mission of SFS is to deepen students' understanding of the relationships among environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic development. Committed to community reciprocity and guided by the principles of sustainable development, SFS employs a dynamic academic and research model that
- Educates students about the complexity of local development and conservation issues through field-based teaching, scientific research and training;
- Creates a rich mosaic of research questions centered on supporting functional ecosystems while balancing the needs of human communities;
- Empowers local communities and decision makers to address their sustainable development challenges through applied research that informs local decision making; and
- Contributes to the scientific community through the dissemination of research, including peer-reviewed publications and professional meetings.
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