For several years, the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) has teamed up with JASON Learning, a nonprofit leader in STEM education, to offer ReMA members the opportunity to sponsor a school in their community. The ReMA-JASON Learning partnership promotes career opportunities in the recycled materials industry and expands knowledge and awareness of recycled materials’ impact.
Last year, ReMA’s New England chapter approached Matt Sieloff, Vice President of Implementation and Development at JASON Learning, saying they were interested in sponsoring a school in their community but didn’t know where to begin.
Around the same time, Nick LaVecchia, a teacher from the Boys and Girls Village in Connecticut, reached out to Sieloff requesting access to the JASON Learning materials and to discuss career connections.
“These students are in residential treatment for mental and behavioral health; they’re having the hardest go, and education is hopefully their ticket out,” Sieloff said. “I thought it would be great to make a connection between the school and the New England chapter.”
A ReMA-JASON Learning sponsorship includes:
- Online access to JASON’s educational STEM curricula and resources for teachers, students, and staff
- A virtual orientation to JASON Learning for educators and staff
- Training for educators and staff on how to use the Recycling Activities collection
- A virtual tour of a recycling facility
- An entrepreneurial design and pitch challenge where students solve real-world problems in recycling
- Banner/decal that says “ReMA-JASON School”
- Participation in ReMA’s Annual Recycling Contest, open to all K-12 students across the country
- Participation in one of JASON’s regional conferences.
The students from the Boys and Girls Village in Connecticut were enthusiastic about the annual ReMA-JASON Learning Youth Recycling Contest, an opportunity for K-12 students to showcase their creativity and commitment to recycling.
This year’s contest challenged students to create an advertisement in the form of a poster/infographic or a one-minute video that highlights three key descriptions of the recycled materials industry: Sustainable, Resilient, and Essential. This year, 621 students posted submissions, 354 of which were poster submissions, and 102 of which were video submissions.
“Mr. LaVecchia has gotten more participation for this contest from his students than he has for any major project in the three years he’s worked there,” Sieloff said. “He said, ‘It was incredible to see my students so excited and invested in this project. The idea of earning a prize sparked their engagement, but what truly stood out was how that initial excitement led to a deeper curiosity about the recycling industry and its impact on our planet. For many of my students, this was the first time they connected their learning to a real-world challenge, and it was inspiring to watch them take pride in their work and aspire to represent our school on a larger stage.’”
With the contest currently in the judging phase, it’s too early to know whether these students will be 2024-2025 awardees, but it is exciting for them to compete on a national stage and participate with other students across the country.
Building connections between schools and ReMA members is both achievable and highly beneficial for supporting the local community and the mission-at-large. Becoming a school sponsor is a long-term commitment, but it offers rewarding opportunities to foster relationships, celebrate small successes, and inspire students to develop an interest in the recycling industry.
Ultimately, a successful ReMA-JASON Learning sponsorship is built on meaningful relationships, community engagement, and a shared commitment to education. While JASON Learning provides resources and guidance, the impact stems from the dedication of ReMA members who champion these connections. Together, they are inspiring the next generation to see the recycled materials industry not only as essential but also as an opportunity for innovation, growth, and a sustainable future.
For several years, the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) has teamed up with JASON Learning, a...