Northeast Sustainable Materials Career Program

Connecting Students to Careers in Sustainable Materials Management

The Northeast Recycling Council (NERC) Sustainable Materials Career Program (SMCP) introduces college students to career pathways in sustainable materials management (SMM) and recycling—a rapidly growing field that plays a key role in climate action and the circular economy. Through career exploration events and professional development opportunities, students gain industry exposure, build foundational knowledge, and develop a clearer path from the classroom to a career.

Program Goals

Increase student interest in SMM and recycling careers

Build foundational knowledge of waste diversion, market dynamics, and policy

Strengthen workforce readiness across the Northeast

Program Components

Career Exploration Event

(Recycling Jobs Day)

Facility tour
Lunch and peer discussion
Industry career panel with Q&A

Foundations of Sustainable Materials and Recycling (Virtual Course)

Professional development covering market dynamics, policy, and the evolution of recycling in the U.S.

Supplemental Resources and Networking Connection

Recycling Jobs Day materials provided by ReMA
Connected to Career Ambassadors

Why It Matters

Producing, transporting, and disposing of materials accounts for more than 40% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. As organizations expand climate commitments, demand for green jobs is growing globally at approximately 8% per year. Yet employers report a shortage of qualified talent with the necessary green and cross-sector skill sets. The NERC Career Awareness Program helps close this gap by exposing two- and four-year college students to the diverse, high-impact careers available across the SMM industry.

Engage

Help build the next generation of circular economy professionals. Support student preparation for careers in sustainable materials management by joining NERC as a Program Partner.

Sign up as an Academic Partner at no cost, enabling access to free training and career exploration programming, networking, and resources for your students.

Become a Program Partner

Become an Academic Partner

Thank You to Our Program Partner

Academic Partner Sign Up Form

Primary Contact Information

First Name *

Last Name *

Title *

Email *

Organization Information

Name of Academic Institution *

Academia Category *

If selected 'other,' please describe.

Address 1 *

Address 2

City *

State/Province *

Zip *

Phone *

Please describe underserved, high-needs, economically disadvantaged, and/or underrepresented populations that your institution serves. This can include demographic information. Please include any information that demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. *

Please describe any existing academic student programs dedicated to sustainable materials management. Enter N/A if Not Applicable. *

*Note: Academic Partners must consent to the following to participate in the Program.

Is your academic institution committed to supporting Career Exploration events coordinated by NERC through student promotion and signup?

Career Exploration *

We are committed to promoting Career Exploration Event(s) to our students and providing any necessary sign up support.

Is your academic institution committed to supporting complimentary recycling training for students offered by NERC through student promotion and signup?

Training *

We are committed to promoting free training course(s) to our students and providing any necessary sign up support.

My academic institution consents to being listed as an Academic Partner on Career Awareness Program materials and communications.

Communications *

Our academic institution consents to being listed as an Academic Partner.

Any other comments or questions:

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Program Partner Information

The Need

Producing, transporting, and disposing of materials represents over 40% of US GHG emissions. As more organizations take climate action, there is a growing demand for green jobs, which are growing globally at a rate of 8 percent per year. LinkedIn’s Global Green Skills Report shows a deficiency in the supply of qualified talent with the green skills needed to fill these roles. Some of the reasons for this talent gap are inadequate training and a lack of mixed-skill sets. The NERC Career Awareness Program addresses these barriers by increasing awareness among two- and four- year college students of the wide spectrum of careers in sustainable materials management (SMM).

Your support enables students to explore career pathways and participate in in training at no cost. Additionally, your support develops a robust network of colleges and universities, companies, and government agencies to create onramps for students to impactful careers.

Partner Benefits

There are four levels of partnership. Benefits vary depending on the level you join but may include:

Recognition in NERC’s Monthly Newsletter and Logo on NERC’s Partner Page (with link to website)
Recognition at NERC’s Annual Rethink Resource Use Conference
Volunteer opportunities as Career Ambassadors for students
Placement of logo on Program page on nerc.org
Recognition on all NERC program communications and materials

View Partnership Levels and Benefits

To learn more about becoming a Program Partner, please contact Sophie Leone at sophie@nerc.org.