UWC Costa Rica and EARTH University have signed a comprehensive framework agreement to strengthen academic collaboration, environmental research, and sustainable development. Mauricio Viales Salas, Founding Head of UWC Costa Rica, and Dr. Arturo Condo Tamayo, Rector of EARTH University, formalized the agreement at UWC Costa Rica’s new campus in San Isidro de Heredia.

This alliance combines the expertise of both institutions to address urgent social and environmental challenges while expanding educational opportunities for youth across Latin America and globally.

“This framework agreement reaffirms the strategic value of institutional alliances in education, allowing us to join forces in technical, scientific, and academic fields,” stated Mauricio Viales. “Mutual collaboration strengthens training processes and applied research, consolidating spaces for exchange that enhance the academic, environmental, and social development of our communities.” 

Key Areas of Strategic Collaboration

The framework agreement sets the foundation for action across four initiatives:

System Transformation Pathway Pilot Program

In partnership with the International Baccalaureate (IB), UWC Costa Rica and EARTH University are co-designing and implementing a pilot program centered on food systems transformation. This curriculum offers students an immersive, interdisciplinary approach to understanding global food security, agricultural sustainability, and community action.

Environmental Classroom and Living Lab

The agreement establishes a technical and scientific partnership to develop a bio-production center conceived as a “Living Laboratory.” Through this initiative, students gain hands-on experience in:

• Soil analysis, management, and regeneration.
• Applied environmental research projects.
• Professional internships and practical training for EARTH University students.

Thought Partnership for the New Campus

As UWC Costa Rica prepares its new campus in San Isidro de Heredia, EARTH University will serve as a strategic advisor. Both organizations will share operational best practices regarding rural landscaping, risk management, student affairs, and sustainable facility operations.

Joint Academic Initiatives and Microcredentials

Through the Sustainability & Innovation Center, both institutions will explore specialized educational programming. This includes designing academic microcredentials, study-abroad experiences, and community outreach programs to expand the reach of experiential education.

Shared Commitment to Sustainability and Leadership

“EARTH and UWC share a vision of education that seeks to go beyond the classroom and prepare leaders to face real-world challenges,” shared Arturo Condo, President of EARTH University. “We are pleased to join in this collaboration so that students can learn by doing, strengthen their scientific and technological knowledge, and, above all, develop the necessary capabilities to transform their communities.” 

Both organizations share a commitment to preparing ethical leaders who serve their communities and protect natural resources. By aligning institutional strengths, UWC Costa Rica and EARTH University reinforce Costa Rica’s position as a global reference point for sustainable education.

Explore UWC Costa Rica’s Sustainability Framework to learn how the high school integrates ecological stewardship into everyday learning, and stay in touch for exciting updates on the development of the new campus!