American College of Healthcare Sciences Becomes First People and Planet First Verified Higher Education Institution
Portland, OR – November 19, 2024 – The American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS), an accredited leader in online integrative health and wellness education, proudly announces its achievement of the People and Planet First verification. ACHS is the first higher education institution to achieve this verification, further demonstrating the institution’s commitment to using education and business as a force for good and to making a positive impact on global communities.
The People and Planet First verification is a rigorous standard that assesses whether or not an enterprise meets five criteria: a stated social and or environmental impact mission, prioritization of people and planet in its operations, a self-sustaining income model through the sale of goods and/or services, a commitment to reinvest a majority of the profit to that stated mission, and protection of its mission long term through its structure and choice of types of financing to adopt. This verification, alongside ACHS’s Certified B Corp® certification, is a testament to its mission to create a positive impact for students, partners, and communities.
“We are delighted to see the first higher education institution achieve People and Planet First verified status, and we hope that ACHS will be a trailblazer for others around the country and the world. We all need to think about the type of organization we want to buy from, interact with and trust and ACHS is helping us to show the broad spectrum of enterprise types that uphold these important standards.” Rebecca Dray, Verification Lead, People and Planet First
ACHS integrates sustainability and social responsibility into every aspect of its operations. From offering online integrative health programs in fields like aromatherapy, herbal medicine, and holistic nutrition, to forming partnerships that promote wellness in diverse communities. Learn more about bringing wellness to your organization.
“Achieving the People and Planet First verification reflects our commitment to sustainability and wellness for all,” said ACHS President Tracey Abell. “As a Certified B Corp, we believe in using our business as a force for good, and this additional verification highlights the steps we take every day to ensure our practices respect both people and the environment. Our students, staff, and partners can be proud to be part of an organization dedicated to long-term positive impact.”
About ACHS
Founded in 1978, ACHS offers accredited online programs in integrative health and wellness, including certificate, diploma, and degree programs in fields such as aromatherapy, herbal medicine, and functional nutrition. With a mission to advance evidence-based, sustainable wellness education, ACHS partners with organizations to provide accessible, inclusive learning experiences that prioritize the well-being of both individuals and the planet. Learn more about our impact online here. For more information about ACHS’s sustainability practices, partnerships, or to schedule an interview, please contact Tracey Abell at [email protected].
