Sustainability Career Development Program Receives Funding from NC State Sustainability Fund

The new Sustainability Career Development Program—piloted during the Spring 2025 semester—has been selected as one of 14 innovative projects awarded funding through the NC State Sustainability Fund for the 2025–2026 academic year. This competitive grant cycle awarded a total of $199,000 to initiatives that demonstrate high-impact potential and align with the university’s sustainability goals.

Launched through a collaboration between the Business Sustainability Collaborative, the University Sustainability Office, and the Social and Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship initiative, the program empowers students to take ownership of their career exploration in sustainability. It offers a flexible, “choose your own adventure” approach designed to help students build skills, make connections, and discover pathways aligned with their passions—whether that means protecting the planet, driving innovation, or leading change.

The pilot cohort in Spring 2025 enrolled 46 students, 15 of whom completed the program’s bronze, silver, or gold levels by earning PACKImpact points through a variety of career-building and experiential learning activities.

“This program is about meeting students where they are and giving them the tools and flexibility to explore sustainability in ways that are meaningful to them,” – Rachel Haynes, Program Manager for the Business Sustainability Collaborative.

The awarded funding will support continued enhancements to the program, including increased student engagement, expanded outreach efforts, and new incentives to drive participation. These improvements aim to deepen impact and better connect students with sustainability-focused career opportunities.

“Being a part of the Sustainability Career Development Program has helped me meet and network with other students interested in sustainability and has opened my eyes to various opportunities across campus.” – Student Participant

Generated by a $2.50 per semester student fee, the NC State Sustainability Fund empowers the campus community to develop solutions that create lasting environmental and social benefits. Over $360,000 in funding was requested this year, highlighting the growing momentum behind sustainability efforts across campus.

The NC State Sustainability Career Development Program will be scaling campus wide in Fall 2025 for all undergraduate, graduate and non degree seeking students. Stay tuned for updates before the Fall semester!

To learn more about the NC State Sustainability Fund and future grant opportunities, visit go.ncsu.edu/SustainabilityFund.