Beginning this spring, students can participate in a new peer to peer education program to make important changes on the sustainability front (social, environmental and economic), right here at UNH, in Durham. Students are interning with UNH departments to work on strategic sustainability projects and to actively promote making change on campus to their peers. In addition to contributing to UNH’s cutting-edge sustainability practices and strengthening the campus community, students are building their credentials and skills through this transformative learning experience.
This pilot program is an expansion of the Semester in the City (SITC) program, with a mission to educate and inspire the next generation of problem solvers. SITC engages students in rigorous, immersive 30+ hour per week internships with leading social change organizations in Boston (and now departments at UNH). It’s a hands-on learning experience that is meaningful, accessible and life changing. The Durham-based cohort (SITC @ UNH) joins the SITC Boston cohort and both engage in weekly reflective and skill-building coursework together, earn a full semester of credit and are supported by a group of staff, faculty and a dedicated mentor.
Students in each program will benefit from connecting to one another, building their networks and community, sharing and reflecting on their experiences and supporting one another as changemakers.
This spring, the first SITC @ UNH cohort are working on a wide range of sustainability projects:
Autumn Thon ’23 (CHHS) is working with the Office of Community, Equity & Diversity to recruit students to participate in the 21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge (grounded racial equity and social justice issues in the food system in New England), while supporting the general tasks of the Office.
Phoebe Adame ’22 (CEPS) is working with Trash 2 Treasure & the Sustainability Institute to develop and implement a plan for May move-out collections, volunteer participation, and develop a back-up plan for higher education waste during the COVID-19 pandemic, while supporting the general zero waste efforts on campus.
Matt Oriente ‘22 (PAUL) is working with the UNH Foundation to develop best practices and recommendations for sustainable investing (via a racial and gender equity lens) by working directly with Fund Managers at Prime Buchholz LLC, while supporting the UNH Committee on Investor Responsibility.
Contact Faina Bukher with questions or make an appointment.
