Grambling State News

GRAMBLING, La. – Grambling State University, a Keep Louisiana Beautiful University Affiliate, has been awarded a $5,000 grant made possible through funding from a five-year EPA Gulf of Mexico Trash-Free Waters Grant. This grant renewal fuels the “Retrieve, Reduce, Recycle” project, reinforcing the university’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. The KLB University Affiliate program was launched in 2021 to promote sustainability and litter prevention at universities.

This year, the funding will help the university improve efficiency by adding a Side-by-Side (SxS)/UTV vehicle. This essential tool will bolster the University’s service-learning initiatives focused on water conservation, recycling, and various other environmental projects that benefit both the University and the surrounding community. The vehicle will speed up the collection and transport of recyclables, particularly cardboard, to the campus recycling site. The initiative also includes an educational component, engaging students in service-learning opportunities that encourage sustainable habits and waste reduction.

The project is led by Grambling State’s Office of Continuing Education and Service-Learning, the Earl Lester Cole Honors College, and the Student Government Association, with support from the GSU Biology Department. Together, they will mobilize students and faculty to drive recycling awareness, collection efforts, and education campaigns.

The successful grant proposal was authored by Dr. Ellen D. Smiley, Dean of the Earl Lester Cole Honors College and Professor of Education, and Dr. Rory L. Bedford, Director of Continuing Education and Service-Learning and psychology professor in the Master of Social Science program. Their collaborative effort underscores the University’s dedication to ecological sustainability and community engagement.

“Over the years, the Honors College has made tremendous strides towards implementing several projects that promote the EPA’s agenda,” said Dr. Bedford. “We are extremely excited to further the Honors College and the University at large’s commitment to Keeping Louisiana Beautiful through service-learning projects.”

Dr. Ellen D. Smiley highlighted the collaborative nature of these projects, saying, “The Honors College partners with several departments, student groups, and organizations to conduct projects such as water conservation, recycling, and so much more. We are encouraging all to Save the Date, April 5, 2025, and join us as we engage in Love the Boot Week by ‘Keeping Louisiana Beautiful Side-by-Side.’”

Through these efforts, Grambling State aims to educate at least 50 students in Honors Seminar classes on the benefits of recycling and recruit 100 volunteers to support collection and processing. The goal is to increase the amount of cardboard recycled by 10% each semester.

The Keep Louisiana Beautiful University Affiliate Grant provides resources to empower students as environmental change agents. Through volunteer efforts and institutional support, Grambling State has met the program’s 10% in-kind or cash match requirement.