1. EARTH UNIVERSITY José Zaglul June 5, 2007 Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development (AIARD) Annual Meeting

6. MISSION Prepare leaders with ethical values to contribute to the sustainable development of the humid tropics and to construct a prosperous and just society VISION Our actions are directed towards building a future in which the humid tropics and its communities achieve social, economic and environmental well being

7. Inequity 39.8% poverty (ECLAC, 2006) Declining educational quality Disparities between rural and urban areas High unemployment among poor & youth Latin America Today

8. Pillars of EARTH’s Educational Model Ethics and positive values Holistic educational model Technical and scientific knowledge Entrepreneurial mentality Social and environmental responsibility

9. Our Priority Personalized recruiting process 1200 applications per year 100 admitted/year Academic Preparation Program Low income youth from rural areas

10. Financial Aid Program Full scholarship 50% Full tuition 20% Partial scholarship 30%

11. Holistic Education HOLISTIC EDUCATION Reason, analyze and synthesize Present alternative solutions and improvements Creative and critical thinking Generalist PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Sustainable management of natural resources Sustainable Production Entrepreneurial mentality and skills PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Positive values and ethics Teamwork Tolerance Positive personal behavior leadership Life-long learning Oral and verbal communication SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Sensitivity and commitment to community Communication skills Social consciousness

12. Year 2 STRENGTHENING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Sustainable production management YEAR 3 INTERACTION WITH THE COMMUNITY  Social consciousness  Apply and share knowledge with the community  Integrate and apply basic knowledge Year 4 DEMOSTRATION OF INTELLECTUAL AND PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY  Analysis and synthesis  Professionalism  Responsibility and independence AGENTS OF CHANGE Year 1 KNOWLEDGE AND BASIC SKILLS  Agriculture and natural resources  Complementary sciences  Holistic vision  Entrepreneurship  Communication Internship

13. EARTH Learning System HOLISTIC LEARNING FOCUS ON LEARNING HIGHER LEVELS OF LEARNING –Creativity and Innovation –Search for answers and solutions –Critical thinking –Independent and responsible PROCESS –Continual and progressive –Continuous monitoring and evaluation –Creation of opportunities for experimentation and innovation

14. INTERACTIVE MUTUAL RESPECT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STUDENTS AND PROFESSORS PROFESSOR Facilitator of Learning STUDENT Active Participant Establish behavioral objectives Plan activities Motivate learning Evaluate level of learning Seek improvements in the quality of the learning process Focus on the process Teamwork Initiative and creativity Responsibility Identify and recognize weaknesses and strengths Seek to improve learning Take advantage of opportunity The EARTH learning system

15. 1.Work experience Field/farm work Community development Professional experience 2.Entrepreneurial project 3.Internship 4.Graduation project Experiential learning opportunities Planning skills Decision making Analysis and synthesis Leadership skills Responsibility Critical and creative thinking Development and application of knowledge, skills and attitudes Evaluation of results

16. Work Experience

17. Community Development

18. Entrepreneurial Projects Program Cassava chips Water Buffalo Domestication Chocolate-Covered Bananas

19. Internship

20. Graduation Project

21. Graduates 45% working in the private sector 16% run own or family business 81% working in agriculture, nature resources or community development 87% working in country of origin 94% working in Latin America OUTCOMES

22. Gaudencio Rodríguez, Class of 1999

23. EARTH UNIVERSITY José Zaglul June 5, 2007 Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development (AIARD) Annual Meeting