Energy Immersion Trips

This year, we're embarking on an extraordinary winter trip to the U.S. Gulf Coast state of Texas – a region that sits at the epicenter of the nation's energy landscape. Texas plays a pivotal role in supplying America's energy needs, boasting top rankings in crude oil, natural gas, wind power, and total electricity production. Our trip is designed to unravel the intricate web of systems, infrastructure, and geological features that have made Texas a crucial player in the energy sector. Throughout the journey, we visit sites and hear from energy industry stakeholders about environmental and societal health challenges, the global impacts of our energy needs, and the economics, politics, and engineering that govern the way that our country's energy systems operate. Students are challenged to think critically about how energy systems adapt and respond to a rapidly changing planet with an ever-increasing demand for energy.

Applications for this trip are now closed. 

We are seeking applicants with diverse perspectives and with a range of extracurricular and academic interests. Previous involvement with sustainability, energy energy systems, earth sciences, health, or environmental justice work is not required. Ideal applicants will:

• Be willing, ready, and excited to learn about the energy industry from multiple perspectives and through various social, economic, and political lenses
• Be flexible, willing to go with the flow, able to put the group's needs before their own wants, but also able to communicate when their needs aren't being met
• Be emotionally present and open-minded to hearing different points of view and having dialogue across difference
• Be able to commit time to attending both the trip over winterim AND two education sessions to prepare for the experience, which will take place between November 1 and 15.

The Irving Institute subsidizes the cost of the trip (about a $1,300 value) so the cost to you is only $250. This covers all on-the-ground travel expenses, programming, housing, and food for the entire duration of the trip. You will be responsible for the cost of flight to and from Houston, TX.

Financial aid is available. Cost will not be a barrier to participation in this program. If you're worried about the cost, please apply and we will work with you to make the trip possible.