Sustainable Works Student Greening Program
Our Student Program combines hands-on real-world experiences with topic-based group workshops to create an all-encompassing educational experience for students interested in sustainability.
Interactive Workshops
Workshops bring 15 – 25 students together once a week for 8 sessions to explore issues and solutions related to key sustainability-related topics including water, energy, chemicals, food, waste, shopping and transportation. Guided by a Workshop Leader, students learn about the local, regional, and global environmental impact of their daily choices and the solutions they can use to reduce their impact. Topics are explored through a mixture of group discussions, interactive games and activities, presentations, show-and-tell items, and field-trips.
Real World Experiences
As a culminating experience all students have the opportunity to apply their new-found knowledge and participate in 3-hour community service projects with local non-profits and on-campus organizations. Top performing students are invited back to participate in the program as one of our student leaders.
Leadership Opportunities
Sustainable Works has created a wonderful opportunity for students to help educate their peers about important environmental issues and solutions while enhancing their own leadership, public speaking and organizational skills. Workshop Leadership is offered to all students who have successfully completed the program and who are willing to accept the responsibilities that go along with the position. For more information on Workshop Leadership, please check here.
Program Benefits
For Students:
Earn extra credit in up to 3 classes from participating professors
Conserve resources and learn how to save money
Become informed about local and global environmental issues
Exposure to various possibilities for careers in the field of sustainability
Opportunities to connect to the Sustainability community at-large both on- and off-campus
Real world experiences to develop public speaking and leadership skills
Enhance resumes and transfer/scholarship applications with hands-on real world experiences and leadership opportunities with letters of recommendation
For Faculty and Administrators:
Enhance students’ overall college experience and promote retention and net promoter scores
Promote involvement in community service and other environmental programs, initiatives, and events already in existence at the college
Connect with other faculty, student groups, and administrators interested in promoting a culture of sustainability on campus
Provide international and ESL students with a unique opportunity to improve English speaking and writing skills
Program Requirements for Certificates
Attend all 8 meetings (one excused, made-up absence is permitted)
Complete 3 hours of community service
Engage in weekly action items and discussions
Complete 2 sustainability surveys
It provided me with an entirely different perspective as to how I can be more sustainable and live a more sustainable life. I think it also did a good job at making me feel as though I could actually make a difference, whereas before it just all seemed so abstract, I didn’t think I could actually do it.
I think the interaction and the connection between like minded individuals was the most valuable thing about this program. It was a safe learning space for everyone to share their thoughts and questions without being judged.
I think it really works as an eye opener. It really helps you learn about new things and what is wrong with how we live, but also what you can do to help. You are welcome and encouraged to make change, but never judged or made to feel bad for not being perfect.
The entire Workshop was valuable and informative. At first, it was all about extra credit. However, I have learned valuable lessons.
The most valuable thing from this program is that I was able to leave this Workshop with tons of tips and tricks to implement sustainability into my everyday life.
Personally, the most valuable thing that I got from this program is that it made sustainability and conservation easier to apply. I was not completely aware of all the little ways that I could significantly impact the environment, but I now know several methods that I can make the environment better.
The Workshops were extremely informative and collaborative. Definitely helped me find effective sustainable practices that were also affordable.
This weekly workshop has been incredibly informative, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate. I’ve learned so much about how I can personally contribute to making the world a better place. Week after week, I’ve found practical ways to conserve energy and water, and I plan to continue implementing these changes in my daily life.
This program is helping the younger generation value the earth and how we are meant to take care of it. Overall, a really great class. I am happy I took it!
The most valuable thing about this program is encouraging students/workshop members to care more about the environment and educating them on how to do so. This program does an amazing job of explaining what issues exist and what we as individuals can do to help fix them. Many people do not understand the consequences of their ecological footprint, and this workshop informs people on what those consequences are and how to avoid them.
