The Environmental Studies Summer Youth Institute (ESSYI) is a two-week, college-level interdisciplinary summer program for talented high-school students entering their junior and senior years, or soon to be graduates. ESSYI introduces students to environmental issues and interdisciplinary techniques for addressing environmental problems. Students make new intellectual and emotional connections as they explore current environmental challenges through scientific, social, economic, philosophical, ethical, and political perspectives. The on-campus program is a one credit (4 semester hours) course that serves as an introduction to environmental studies.

Sunday July 13, through Saturday July 26, 2025

ESSYI is a active, collaborative, and transformational educational experience. We believe that ESSYI is the best environmental studies summer academic program for high school students in the country. Our primary goal is to engage students in the process of collaborative environmental problem-solving in ways that help them understand the interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues and viable solutions. Students also clarify and refine their interests regarding college courses, majors, and future career options. Most of our alums say that ESSYI was a turning point for them in terms of knowing what they wanted to pursue in college and beyond.

• The program is worth a full academic course credit.

• ESSYI enables students to interact with faculty, college student staff, and other like-minded students from across the country and world.

• Students will explore, document, analyze, and share natural areas and environmental issues in Adirondack region of New York.

• Students will work collaboratively with one another during class sessions, other activities, and a larger group project.

• Students will be supported by ESSYI staff (current Hobart and William Smith college students) who will work with individual students and facilitate interactions among groups.

We welcome students passionate about environmental issues – who are academically talented and inherently inquisitive – who believe that change is possible – and who want to contribute to solving environmental issues within their communities and throughout the world.

Apply now and we’ll see you in July!

Curriculum

Find out more about the incredible ESSYI curriculum, which is taught by 20 faculty members at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. This program is based on a one credit (4 semester hour) course that serves as an introduction to environmental studies.

Request Information

Would you like to receive an ESSYI brochure, information about HWS and application materials? Use this form to request additional information. Learn about the program, ESSYI, and the student experience here at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

Each year we hire nine HWS college student staff who serve as teaching assistants, resident assistants, and support the student participants throughout the program. You can also learn about the incredible diversity of our teaching faculty.

Here you can explore the profiles and reflections of former students who share their experience at ESSYI. You can also read about our commitment to supporting a diverse student body of participants.