Cultivating Leaders for a Sustainable Tomorrow 

October 31, 2024

Sustainability student ambassador Jillian Fitzgerald represents the Sustainability Office at Trent's Volunteer Fair, showing other students how they'd promote reusables and waste diversion if they were to join the new Sustainability Outreach Program that's supported by the Trent Fund.

Trent University’s urgent need fund, the Trent Fund, supports the creation of an all-new Sustainability Outreach Program

The Campaign for Momentous Change ensures Trent University students and campus partners are equipped to address the challenges of our changing world including long-term sustainability and providing valuable hands-on learning.   

Thanks to Trent Community support for the Trent Fund, which responds to students’ most pressing needs, the Sustainability Office has established an all-new outreach program to support the University’s goal of becoming a zero waste and low-carbon campus, while also enhancing the Trent student experience and providing student mentorship opportunities.    

The Sustainability Outreach Program provides fun and engaging peer-to-peer programming that reduces carbon with actions such as using energy efficiently and choosing reusables.  Students also gain real-world experience by participating in initiatives such as the Zero Waste Challenge that support collaboration, leadership skills, and effective communication — all while integrating a sustainability lens.  

“As we work towards a zero-waste future, the Sustainability Outreach Program is an invaluable investment in the Trent student experience that not only reinforces sustainable behaviours but also fosters a sense of community,” said Shelley Strain, Sustainability Coordinator at Trent University. “Thank you to all those who support the Trent Fund because without their generosity, the Fund couldn’t support these kinds of invaluable programs that impact students’ lives during their time at Trent and beyond.”

The program’s peer-to-peer offerings increase student work experience while also building capacity and consistency through delivery of peer-to-peer volunteer programming primarily addressing personal agency in reducing carbon through additional areas such as diverting waste and promoting plant-based eating.  

As there’s a growing interest in volunteering for sustainability initiatives, the outreach program is also empowering an upper-year students to lead all the initiatives and provide mentorship to enhance the experience for volunteers.  

This student leader plays a significant role in supporting volunteer efforts, facilitating training, managing schedules, tracking engagement metrics, and ensuring the programming is impactful for participants and volunteers.  

The program also provides students with necessary tools such as educational materials and promotional resources to help them effectively implement and advocate for sustainability practices across campus.  

“As students adopt sustainable habits, they not only reduce their environmental footprint but also prepare for future independence by managing their resources wisely,” Strain adds. “Practices like using reusables and reducing energy waste will contribute to lower living costs and greater awareness of sustainability in their lives and careers.”  

The Trent Fund ensures that every student can learn and discover without boundaries. By also assisting in areas such as emergency housing, financial support for the basics, on-campus employment, health and wellness, and scholarships and bursaries, the Trent Fund serves as a catalyst to support the leaders of tomorrow.

Learn more about student initiatives through Trent’s Sustainability Office and creating more opportunities for students through the Trent Fund.