HBCU Chesapeake Bay Summit

September 9th, 2023 - September 10th, 2023 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

The HBCU/MSI Chesapeake Bay Summit will bring together students and faculty members from HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and MSIs (Minority Service Institutions) in Washington, DC and Maryland to discuss issues related to the Chesapeake Bay. The Summit will be hosted at Pecometh Retreat Center (401 Jack Elliott Way, Centreville, MD). The Summit is free and designed for any current HBCU/MSI students. Attendees do not need to have any previous outdoor experience in order to participate.

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The goals of this event are to:

  1. Foster connections between students and faculty at HBCUs in the watershed
  2. Build the capacity of students to pursue environmental careers and address environmental challenges in their communities
  3. Highlight environmental initiatives on HBCU campuses in the watershed

Information about Pecometh Retreat Center: Attendees will be accommodated in two climate-controlled dorm-style retreat houses. Each Retreat House has two 18-bed wings with a central bathroom. Attendees will need to bring their own linens (pillow, sheets , and blanket, or sleeping bag) and towels, and should be prepared to share a room with other attendees of the same gender identity. All meals during the duration of the Summit will be provided, and we will gladly work with each attendee to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Please note there is NO internet connectivity and LIMITED cell phone service on-site.

A free bus will be transporting attendees from each participating partner university’s campus (Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Howard University, Morgan State University, Trinity Washington University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and University of the District of Columbia).

Space is limited, so please complete the application early. Note, because space is limited, completing the application form does not guarantee a spot. For those who apply and are accepted to attend the Summit, you will be expected to attend, and if you cannot, please let us know.

Day 1:

    • The first day of the summit will focus on keynote and panel discussions and networking.

Day 2:

    • The second day of the Summit will consist of a half-day outdoor adventure (either a guided kayaking trip, nature hike, or water quality monitoring field experience).

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Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM Friday, August 18, 2023. Please direct any questions to Emma Gregory at egregory@allianceforthebay.org.