NYS SMM Stewardship Program

Please do not apply for this internship on Handshake. Only applications submitted via the “Apply Now” link on our website will be considered. See below for application instructions.
 

The Institute for Sustainability Engagement (ISE) at Syracuse University is announcing that applications are now open for the Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 NYS Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Stewardship Program!

This program is an entirely remote, paid college internship opportunity that takes place every year (Fall-Spring semesters), with a one-time stipend received upon completion of the program.

About the Program:

The NYS Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Stewardship Program provides a unique opportunity to explore the concepts of sustainability and waste systems, and then apply this knowledge in your community. This program focuses on prioritizing beneficial uses of materials based on the waste hierarchy (i.e., reduce, reuse, recycle, compost) with the intent of moving towards a circular economy. Managed materials include traditional recyclables, organics and food waste, single-use plastics, textiles, furniture, household items, electronics, and more. 

In the fall, stewards learn about sustainable materials management concepts through interactive virtual trainings. In the spring, stewards complete hands-on, experiential community projects on an SMM topic of their choosing. Finally, stewards present on their projects at an end-of-program Symposium to their peers and SMM professionals.

Application Instructions: To apply for the Fall 2026-Spring 2027 program, please follow the “Apply Now” link on our website. Applicants must be enrolled at a New York State college or university throughout Spring 2027. The deadline to submit completed applications is Monday March 23 at 11:59 PM EDT. 
 

If you have questions about the application process or the program, please contact Stewardship Program Supervisor, Morgan Ingraham, at meingrah@syr.edu.  

Disclaimer about use of AI: Each response you submit will be carefully reviewed by the recruitment team on our staff, and we do not use AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, etc.) to review any applications. Because this application should accurately reflect whether you are a good fit for the program, we will not consider any applications that were completed using AI. 
 

To learn more, view examples of prior projects, and to apply for the program, visit the NYS SMM Stewardship Program website  

Note: This program is administered in partnership with NYSAR3, with funding support provided by CSMM and USDA. Syracuse University is an equal opportunity provider and employer.