Recycling is essential for building a sustainable future, yet it’s a topic that’s often left out of many classrooms (Green.org, 2024). Despite its critical role in environmental protection and economic growth, students are frequently unaware of how recycling directly impacts their lives and the world around them. By making recycling education more accessible and hands-on, we can spark curiosity in young minds and equip them with the tools to lead in sustainability.
That’s the vision behind the ReMA-JASON Learning partnership, bringing together industry knowledge, innovative STEM education, and underserved school districts. This partnership has been a powerful way to connect schools with the real-world applications of STEM education, specifically in the recycled materials industry.
The JASON Learning and ReMA collaboration creates an opportunity for ReMA members to sponsor schools in their communities, providing access to high-quality STEM curricula, professional development, and resources that showcase the critical role recycling plays in shaping a sustainable future.
For JASON, this partnership is not just about providing educational tools—it’s about helping students make meaningful connections to the world around them and preparing them for future careers in a growing, essential industry.
The Boys and Girls Village Sponsorship
Last year, when ReMA’s New England chapter approached us with interest in sponsoring a school, we saw an exciting opportunity to make a difference. Around the same time, we received a request from a teacher at the Boys and Girls Village (BGV) in Connecticut. For over 80 years, BGV has been a cornerstone of support for at-risk youth and their families, providing behavioral, educational, vocational, and permanency planning services. Operating in more than 50 communities across Connecticut, BGV serves nearly 400 clients daily, with a dedicated team of over 200 program staff members (BGV “About Page,” 2024).
Through our partnership with ReMA, we were able to connect these students with the resources and industry knowledge they needed to engage with the world of recycling and see how STEM learning could be the gateway to career opportunities in a sustainable, impactful industry. The students’ enthusiasm was palpable as they dove into the annual ReMA-JASON Learning Youth Recycling Contest.
“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.”
—Nicholas LaVecchia, Special Education Teacher, Charles F. Hayden School, Boys and Girls Village
For JASON, seeing students get excited about research, sustainability, and the practical applications of STEM is the ultimate reward. It validates our belief that when students are given access to meaningful learning experiences, they can achieve incredible things.
“Mr. LaVecchia, the teacher at Boys and Girls Village, has seen more engagement in this contest than any other project in his three years with the students. It’s a true testament to the impact of this program.”
—Matt Sieloff, Vice President of Implementation and Development, JASON Learning
A ReMA-JASON Sponsorship
A ReMA sponsorship of JASON Learning provides schools and educators with more than just materials but an ecosystem of support. Our sponsorship program offers:
- Access to JASON’s interactive STEM curricula that empower educators to bring recycling concepts into the classroom.
- Training and professional development to ensure that teachers feel confident using the materials and incorporating them into their lessons.
- Virtual tours of recycling facilities, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at the industry’s inner workings.
- Entrepreneurial design and pitch challenges where students can use their creativity and critical thinking skills to solve real-world recycling issues.
- Engagement in national contests like the ReMA-JASON Youth Recycling Contest, where students can showcase their creativity and commitment to sustainability.
Building lasting connections between schools and ReMA members has always been one of the goals of this partnership. This work goes beyond providing curriculum and resources—it’s about fostering long-term relationships to help students see their education’s real-world impact. The ReMA-JASON Learning sponsorship program encourages recyclers to engage with their local schools, share their expertise, and inspire the next generation to pursue careers in a critical industry.
If you’re interested in sponsoring JASON Learning for a classroom, school, district, or organization, please contact Matthew Sieloff at msieloff@jason.org. Thank you for your dedication to equitable STEM education and exploration!
