The GSP program at ISSTA is intended to prepare students to address complex regional, national, and global challenges related to sustainability and the ability to innovate in diverse cultural, geographic, and demographic contexts. The program is unique as the curriculum is fully integrated into students' regular coursework.

Each student that joins this track will be eligible for an extra credit certificate as a student who has completed a 30-hour internship in the academic track of 'Global Sustainability and Agricultural Production'. Students enrolled in this track must complete an interview process, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and seek to establish a firm footing and career choice in the subject area of sustainability.

The Primary Goal of the program is to Foster Sustainability Principles And Critical Thinking, Equipping Students with the tools needed to address the grand challenges of sustainability.

If your child has an interest in sustainable agriculture or global food production, ISSTA offers an innovative curriculum that incorporates courses from the State of Florida's Agricultural Program in combination with some of ISSTA's own rewarding courses and opportunities. This program is part of our Public School Initiative to provide a privatized style education and lifestyle for those interested in helping save our planet at a lower cost tuition structure. Students enrolled in this program will be REQUIRED to fulfill all initiatives as they pertain to both the Diploma, an enriched Certification program.

The Certificate Program in Global Sustainability insures understanding of the principles of sustainability and the interdependence of the environment, the economy, and social systems to become effective stewards of natural resources and the environment. The program seeks to advance students' ability to understand and address real-world environmental problems; apply systems' approach to manage social-ecological systems; and develop critical thinking skills for affection decisions involving environmental policy, resource management, biodiversity conservation, and human health.

One of the many facets of sustainability encompasses global food source production and the challenges that arise from the lack of food with respect to the population and longevity of life today. Florida is recognized as an agricultural state, producing many fruits and winter vegetables that are exported both domestically and internationally. Part of the Florida Department of Education Curriculum includes courses that are focused in these areas. 

ISSTA is pleased to not only support initiatives as such, but also help to provide Bright Futures Scholarships for our students. As a separate credentialing process for ISSTA's GSP Certificate, ISSTA's Academic Board requires the 30+ hours of integrated related activities that are focused purely on sustainable growth. This can often be completed by participating in our on-site Greenhouse where students grow different types of GMO and NON GMO foods. It can also be accomplished by participating in our 'Go Abroad. Go Agricultural' program where students learn the challenges faced with sustainable food production in 3rd world countries, and participate in a week long boot camp of philanthropy and international courses on the subject matter.

Some of the high school courses available through the Florida Department of Education that hyper focus on agriculture and sustainability can be found here or on their direct website.

Other ISSTA Courses

Students completing the certificate will achieve an advanced understanding of the sciences of sustainability; its real world application; and increase opportunity for job advancement. The program will allow students from diverse backgrounds to pursue interests in sustainability sciences in some depth while also completing their fundamental science coursework required for both the AICE and IB Diplomas.