FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — The University of Maryland is launching a sustainability program that will turn the city of Frederick into a giant classroom.

Wednesday’s meeting of faculty, students and public officials at City Hall marks the beginning of the two-semester Program for Action Learning in Sustainability.

Coursework will put students and instructors to work on more than a dozen projects covering planning and development; energy and the environment; and social issues.

One project will assess the impact of climate change on the city’s watershed. Another will create design alternatives for the city’s surplus properties.

The program is administered by the university’s National Center for Smart Growth. It’s open to any local government. Participation requires a one-year commitment of coordination and a modest financial contribution to defray faculty and student expenses.

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