Molly Eldridge Completes Experiential Learning Project at SUNY Oneonta

Molly Eldridge, of Warwick, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Recycling Ambassadorship" at SUNY Oneonta.

Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success.

These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta.

"I worked with the Office of Sustainability during Freshman Move-In Fall 2025 to help divert waste and sort through recycling. Additionally, we focused on public outreach and education about why recycling is important, and what is actually recyclable," said Eldridge, who is studying Anthropology and History.

"As a recycling ambassador, I was responsible for making sure that all of the waste from Move-In was diverted by recycling all cardboard, polystyrene, and (approved) plastic film. We got there before Move-In to meet with a representative from Casella. Casella is the company that is responsible for recycling collection here on campus, and the representative explained to us what their facilities do. We were then trained on what materials are recyclable and which are not. During all days of Freshman Move-In, we worked in teams, making sure that we were present at each Freshman building for a portion of the day. We would roam the halls and grab waste, and then sort it in the lobby, making sure to inform families about what we were doing and why recycling is important.

"I learned that there are certain plastics that can be recycled, and some that cannot. How I explained this to people, and what I learned, is that if you can poke your finger through it, it can be recycled as plastic film. Additionally, I learned that while normally polystyrene cannot be recycled, Casella had a service that would specially recycle polystyrene from Move-In. The whole experience was eye-opening to how much waste is produced during Move-In.

"Ever since my Recycling Ambassador experience, I now focus on how I can be more conscious of my own waste production. I try to educate my friends on which plastics can and cannot be recycled. I will continue to be a part of the Office of Sustainability as an Eco Ambassador, and use my knowledge of this recycling experience to be a leader on recycling-based activities."

Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase.

SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

To view these students click here: https://oneonta.meritpages.com/achievements/Molly-Eldridge-Completes-Experiential-Learning-Project-at-SUNY-Oneonta/201299