UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — More than 50 Penn State student teams had the opportunity to present their projects at the Campus and Community Sustainability Expo on Dec. 12, held in the State College Municipal Building. The expo happens every semester as the culminating event for the Sustainable Communities Collaborative (SCC), the experiential learning program at Penn State Sustainability that pairs classes with community partners on partner-identified projects.
“We had a very good semester with many diverse projects,” said Ilona Ballreich, SCC program director. “I have also noticed an increase in the quality of the student posters over years past. It’s great to see students take pride in their work and demonstrate effectively what they have learned through the semester-long experience”.
This year, SCC projects represented nine colleges and Penn State Hazleton and Schuylkill, ranging from stormwater mitigation to graphic design, community engagement, financial planning, marketing, policy, and energy-focused projects. George Francock with the Moshannon Creek Watershed Association partnered with a graduate class, EDCE 501, led by professor Kaitlyn Spangler.
“Because of the student involvement, we've improved our connections with the Philipsburg Historical Society, and we've been invited to speak to Philipsburg Area high school students," he said. “Community engagement has been difficult for us as an organization, and I truly believe in the future we will look back at this time as the moment of change.”
One of the evening's highlights was a visit by the Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Richard Vilello, deputy secretary for community affairs and development. Vilello was introduced as a partner for a 2-year capstone project in public policy early in the semester. The expo was an opportunity to meet the team in person and experience the breadth and depth of all student projects, Vilello said. He shared with the audience that he sees the chance for projects, like those facilitated by the SCC, to advance community projects across the state with students providing sound information, baseline data, and ideas for the next steps. He also expressed interest by state agencies in hiring talented students who value and understand local communities.
Almost 300 people attended the two-hour event. Doug Wentzel, former SCC partner, Shaver’s Creek program director and naturalist commented, “I spent an hour and a half talking to students, and I walked away inspired!”
Spring semester projects are currently being scoped. Faculty or community partners interested in participating in an SCC project or exploring opportunities should contact Ilona Ballreich at ixb20@psu.edu.