Symposium for Environment and Education
Since its inception in 1994, the Symposium has put into action the company's long-held belief that businesses and communities should help educators introduce real-life experiences to young adults.
"After 13 years of having students attend the Wheelabrator Symposium, it is by far the best example of Corporate America working with schools to help the leaders of tomorrow develop. It is an experience, which can't be duplicated in the classroom." ~John Cooley, teacher, Peekskill Middle School, Peekskill, NY.
Participating school teams each identify and research a specific environmental or public challenge in their communities. Student teams are made up of students from academic science classes, environmental clubs, discussion groups, science or social studies teams and honor organizations. Under the guidance of educators and the local Wheelabrator facility, students leverage the resources and support of their community and local Wheelabrator facility; the teams develop solutions to these challenges over the course of the school year. The scenarios require a broad and realistic perspective on the impacts of society on the environment, compelling students to discover flexible and creative solutions to resource management decisions.
Each year, Wheelabrator hosts approximately 10 schools and involves 100 seventh- and eighth-grade students in the program. In the spring, the teams travel to Florida for a two-day Symposium, where they present their projects and solutions to a panel of educators, politicians and local community volunteers. This panel is made up of customers from our client communities.
"This year's symposium was an exciting experience. We were able to share what we were doing for our environment and learn about what others are doing for their environment. If I could do it again, I would in a heart beat." ~ student, Lisbon Central School, Lisbon, CT.
As a progressive environmental company and responsible corporate neighbor, Wheelabrator sponsors the Symposium to help promote a future where the environment benefits from our children's balanced decision-making and active community involvement. As we all "give back" to our communities, the Symposium provides a valuable opportunity to work closely with the leaders of the future-our students.
In the end, the Wheelabrator Symposium helps foster environmental and social awareness in today's youth and is an experience that many students will remember for the rest of their lives, and an experience that enriches and motivates every adult who participates.
The links below contain a list of previous participating schools and background information for students to understand the importance of recycling, solid waste management, and environmental stewardship, which can be used in Symposium participation and daily life.
Learn what our Symposium for Environment and Education is all about.
