Colleen Ahern-Hettich Scholarship for Engaged Earth Literacy

The Earth Ethics Council of Miami Dade College is raising funds to establish an endowed scholarship in honor of former Earth Ethics Institute Director, Colleen Ahern-Hettich. Once we reach the initial goal of $25,000, we can ensure the future of this scholarship through the Miami Dade College Foundation. The scholarship will be awarded annually to students who demonstrate a commitment to shifting the paradigm through collaboration and creativity.

Colleen served as the director of the Earth Ethics Institute from 2004 until her retirement in 2018. During that time, she made remarkable contributions to both the College and Miami-Dade County by expanding the institute's educational programs and significantly increasing its impact. Under her leadership, Colleen worked with MDC faculty and staff to create the Global Sustainability and Earth Literacy Studies (GSELS) program. During her tenure, approximately 80 professors offered 1,700 GSELS courses, reaching roughly 40,000 students. Colleen’s work in Earth Literacy, sustainability education, and community engagement has left a lasting mark on the South Florida community.

Let us honor Colleen's passion for Earth Literacy and secure her legacy in a way that helps future generations of students pursue sustainability education and do "the great work."