Bridging the Equity Gap: Environmental Justice Education in K-16 for Engineering Teaching and Learning

The Work In Progress research paper and ECSJ-DEED joint technical session highlight the crucial role of Environmental Justice Education (EJE) in bridging the gap between educators and students, especially in engineering education. By emphasizing local environmental justice issues and integrating them into curricula, we prepare engineers to address real-world challenges equitably. Despite the importance, educators struggle to incorporate environmental justice topics effectively, leading to a neglect of disproportionate environmental risks faced by marginalized communities. This paper builds on prior research, identifying a gap in defining and implementing environmental justice in education. It provides insights for engineering educators, emphasizing EJE's relevance in addressing sustainability and social equity. By promoting inclusive pedagogical approaches and continuous reflection, we aim to equip students with the skills to design ethical engineering solutions. Through collective efforts, we aspire to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future, fostering understanding and action in Environmental Justice Education.