SFS establishes its Centers in locations and ecosystems grappling with critical environmental issues. Our programs are intense, invigorating, and fulfilling. With a global network of dedicated faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends from communities across the globe, we critically examine complex environmental issues faced by our host communities on four continents. SFS has a long history of user-inspired environmental research and a commitment to the local communities where we live, study and work. Founded in 1980 to improve environmental literacy among young people and to prepare the next generation of environmental leaders, SFS has been focused exclusively on environmental education for more than 35 years.