In mid-late August, the Office of Sustainability will be leading a pre-orientation PreLUsion program called SustainabLEHIGH for the seventh straight year. As part of the SustainabLEHIGH trip, incoming first year and transfer students are introduced to all facets of sustainability. Students explore the Lehigh Valley through biking along and canoeing down the Lehigh River, visiting a local farm that free ranges animals, going to Wild Creek Watershed, taking a “green” campus tour, eating delicious organic meals, and camping on an island. 
During this three day adventure, students jumpstart their college experience and build strong, lasting friendships with peers that share similar interests. As Ava Scally ‘20 states about her SustainabLEHIGH experience last year, “I got to explore the region where I will live for the next 4 years, and become close with 14 of my classmates. The trip was such a vibrant introduction to Lehigh and to everything the Lehigh Valley has to offer. I couldn’t imagine starting at Lehigh without SustainabLEHIGH.”
In addition to forming personal relationships, students also have a tremendous learning experience. They are introduced to sustainability efforts at Lehigh and in the broader Lehigh Valley and they get to know sustainability-related clubs, classes, initiatives, and campaigns on campus before classes begin. Through this trip, students are able to make connections with campus leaders and sustainability champions. As Caroline Jacoby ‘20 states, “SustainabLEHIGH was vital in setting me up to have a successful first year at Lehigh. I entered my first week of classes already having connections to mentors that would continue to help me throughout my time at Lehigh.” The SustainabLEHIGH trip provides students with a strong foundation for future leadership in sustainability initiatives on campus and beyond.