The UL Innovative Education Award recognizes North America’s top environmental STEM programs. The Community Leaders program was co-designed by faculty at Tremont and Fulton High School in Knoxville. It’s an immersive two-year experience for high school juniors and seniors consisting of 10 days of residential learning in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, monthly meetings at the high school, an annual student-led community engagement day event in Knoxville’s green spaces and an annual student-led community environmental stewardship event in Knoxville. 

Judges on the award panel were impressed with the immersive two-year model, the focus on developing youth leaders through genuine leadership opportunities, and the commitment of Tremont Institute to partnering with diverse and underserved communities to further environmental health, justice and community access to nature for all.