Welcome to The Ebersole Institute for Environmental Education

These programs are open to any high school, student that is currently enrolled in the Lansing School District.  Ideal candidates would be students that:  

• Are excited about learning in a hands-on, minds-on way;
• Are ready to learn more about the natural world and how best to manage and protect it;
• Are looking for a non-traditional school experience; and  
• Are ready for a "soft launch" into living away from home. 

As space in this unique program is limited to 40 students, 20 males and 20 females, we will give preference to students that: 

• Are off-track to graduate and in need additional time, attention, and support; and
• Are overcoming hardship or other exceptionally challenging life circumstance.

Note:  The information below is only relevant to our long-term residential programs.   

  Individualized Graduation Plan (IGP):

Each EIEE student will work with a graduation specialist to create an IGP.  The IGP will serve as a basis for planning their schedule and tracking progress towards graduation.

  Virtual Academic Support & Mentorship:  

Throughout the first semester EIEE students will have access to virtual academic supports and mentorship.  This will look like a series of scheduled weekly virtual check-ins (1-on-1), virtual office hour drop-in opportunities (1-on-1), and planned virtual tutoring sessions (small groups).

  Lansing-Based Programs:

Throughout the first semester there will be a series of events to bring EIEE students together for team-building activities and informational sessions.

  Ebersole-Based Programs:  

Throughout the first semester there will also be a series of planned Ebersole-based programs for EIEE students. These will occur on days off from regular school. Students will have an opportunity to see progress on the facilities, get familiar with the grounds, and do some team-building.

  Semester-Long Intensive at Ebersole:  

During the second semester (January 2023 through May 2023) EIEE students will stay, free of charge, at Ebersole full-time Monday through Friday, returning home at the end of the school day on Friday afternoons.  While onsite, students will have the opportunity to participate in their core and elective courses, course intensives to earn extra credits towards graduation, and ample environmental education-based enrichment and internship opportunities.

No.  Participation in any Ebersole Institute for Environmental Education program is completely free for Lansing School District students.  Transportation to and from Ebersole will be provided.  In addition, students will receive breakfast, lunch, dinner and an evening snack. 

Below you will find details about the enrollment process and timeline.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call the Ebersole Center at 517-755-5001. 

Note:  At this point we are only enrolling students in our weekend courses.  Please check back for additional information about enrollment in a more long-term residential program.  

• 24/7 Confidential Crisis line:  1-800-273-TALK
• Crisis Text: Text HOME to 741-741 
• Ingham County Community Mental Health: 517-346-8460
• Child & Family Charities:  882-4000
• Ele's Place:  517-482-1315 
• 211 (Families can call 211 to be linked with additional resources)

More mental health resources are available on our Office of School Culture website.