Thanks to the Positive Energy Award Program – student, faculty and staff projects that address local solutions to global problems including quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, climate action, sustainable cities and communities will be funded. Individuals with a project that falls within the Global Goals sustainability framework could apply for grants up to $2,500. The winners were announced during Millersville University’s annual Earth Week events at the Lombardo Welcome Center. The awards program is funded through the Lombardo Welcome Center’s cost savings and other utility rebates. MU awarded over $10,000 dollars to awardees.
“The Lombardo Welcome Center has given so much back to the University since its construction. We felt it would be a good idea to use the utility rebates associated with its construction to establish a Positive Energy Fund that could empower MU students, faculty and staff to work on projects that could make a further positive impact on the Millersville University and Lancaster communities,” says Chris Steuer, sustainability director at MU.
The first year award winners and their projects were:
Integrating Art Into Stormwater Management
Artist Stacy Levy and the City of Lancaster are working to transform Water Street into a complete street that enables safe access for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and transit riders. Levy is working to create a long-term strategic plan that will integrate art into stormwater management.
Project Green Lancaster
Project Green Lancaster is a sustainability website created by students in the Media and Broadcasting program in the Department of Communication and Theatre that features local sustainability projects.
Cross-Pollination: Native Gardens & Art In The Schools
Through a collaboration among the National Wildlife Federation, South Central PaARTners at Millersville University, and MU College of Education and Human Services, Carol Welsh and Elyse Jurgen will work with MU students to design, build and plant a pollinator garden at Price Elementary.
Focus On The Community Day
For the first time, the 2018 Conference on Education and Poverty featured a Focus on the Community Day that encouraged conversations and collaborations around the intersections of education and poverty.
For a more comprehensive look at the award winners’ projects, visit Positive Energy Award Projects.