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The Ethos Center

Ethos International and Domestic Breakout Opportunities

Ethos International Breakouts

During an international breakout, students will have the opportunity to work with non-government organizations to improve the quality of life of the local community.

Student projects are varied, but past immersions have included helping to build sustainable farms, clean water systems, and implementing renewable technologies — solar cooking, solar PV, micro-hydroelectric systems, solar water heating systems, and biogas digesters — in rural communities.  

PROGRAM DETAILS

International breakouts generally include:

  • Instruction and hands-on experience on local projects
  • Tour of completed projects
  • Tour of local partners
  • Living with a host family or independently within their host community
  • Immersion into the local culture
  • Students have traveled to Nicaragua, Ecuador, Guatemala and other locations.

Ethos Domestic Breakouts

Spanning from three days to two weeks, Ethos Domestic Breakouts are a great opportunity for students to use their engineering skills with hands-on projects and gain a taste of the Ethos Domestic Immersions. 

Past breakout: Standing Rock Indian Reservation, Sioux County, North Dakota

The Standing Rock Indian Reservation in Sioux County, North Dakota, is site of the recent Dakota Access Pipe Line (DAPL) protests. During this breakout, students explored some of the contemporary challenges faced by Native American communities, while working on community improvement projects directed by local leaders. Students built awareness of the social, cultural and historical contexts facing contemporary indigenous populations, specifically those in North and South Dakota, through meeting and learning from several community members and activists. This breakout challenged students to appreciate diversity, understand privilege and value human dignity while working for the common good by emphasizing a commitment to the practices of social justice.    

Past breakout: Big Laurel Learning Center, Dingess, West Virginia

Big Laurel Learning Center is a traditional mountain community that inspires celebration, education and volunteerism as tools to promote healing and social change by providing education, outreach and spiritual renewal in solidarity with the people of southern West Virginia. Through opportunities for reflection, service and community enrichment, students will gain a greater appreciation for Appalachia, nature and one another. In this breakout, students 

  • dig into the principles of human-centered design and appropriate technology and apply these principles to a challenge in the local community;
  • learn from local residents about Appalachian culture, the history of Appalachia, the challenges these communities face and the resiliency and ingenuity they possess;
  • participate in ongoing service projects with local non-profits; and
  • experience community, enjoy meals and engage in dialogue with those who live and work at Big Laurel Learning Center.  

 

Past breakout: Bethlehem Farm, Alderson, West Virginia

Bethlehem Farm is a Catholic community in Appalachia that transforms lives through service with the local community and the teaching of sustainable practices. Students serve the surrounding community, learn about and from the people of Appalachia, and experience ways of practicing and living a sustainable life. Students learn about sustainability practices and put their engineering skills to work through building- and energy-related projects.

CONTACT

The Ethos Center, Kelly Bohrer, Executive Director

Kettering Laboratories
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 0212
937-229-2306
Email