Sustainability Education - University of Minnesota

As the semester wraps up and finals come to an end, we're looking back with gratitude on the 2026 Sustainability Symposium! Huge thanks to the students, sponsors and partners who made this event a success. From lightning talks to posters and creative works, the event showcased passion and innovation of students across all UMN campuses.

Missed it or want to revisit the highlights? Read more: z.umn.edu/SustSymposiumRecap

See you next year!

Thank you everyone who submitted nominations for the 2026 Sustainability Student Impact awards! All the sustainability efforts and work by students demonstrated strong dedication to creating a more sustainable future.

Swipe to learn about this year's Impact Award winners!

Read the full story: z.umn.edu/2026-Impact-Awardees

Meet our amazing student staff!

Today we are featuring Abiba Toure, a Sustainability Education Programs Assistant at the Institute on the Environment.

Abiba is from Dakar, Sénégal. She is majoring in Sustainable Systems Management on the Corporate track and will graduate this spring!

More about Abiba :

- She practiced ballet AND tennis for over 10 years!

"My favorite part of working at IonE is the collaborative culture around sustainability work. Nothing we do happens in isolation, and sharing perspectives is expected and valued. IonE’s strength comes from people who care deeply about the work and build solutions together, resulting in programs that are thoughtful, inclusive and grounded in real impact."- Abiba Toure

Meet our amazing student staff!

Today we are featuring Manzura Allabergenova, a Sustainability Education GRA at the Institute on the Environment.

Manzura is from Dashoguz, Turkmenistan. She is a PhD student in Comparative and International Development Education program

More about Manzura:

- So far, she has visited 10 US states and would love to see some more!

“I appreciate being part of our supportive Sustainable Education team at IonE as a graduate research assistant. I enjoy mentoring our wonderful undergraduate student staff members, helping them develop professionally and supporting their growth. I also coordinate the Partnership for Sustainable Communities Course grants, promoting sustainability and community partnership in education. It is rewarding to be part of these initiatives and programs in my job.” - Manzura Allabergenova

Interested in the intersections of social justice and environmental challenges? Take SUST 4004 and develop skills in teams to work towards equitable solutions in your community!

Register for the course at z.umn.edu/sust4004

Are you curious about sustainability from scientific, cultural, ethical, ecological and economic perspectives? Take SUST 3003 and learn how to create change within the complex sustainability issues we face.

Register for the course at z.umn.edu/sust3003

Missed out on IonE's Sustainability Corps summer internship opportunity? Gain valuable internship experience this fall through SUST 4096. Apply to an identified internship or bring your own!

Ecolab Scholarships (~$16/hr) are available for eligible students in unpaid internships.

Learn more & register for fall at z.umn.edu/sust4096

Meet our amazing student staff!

Today we are featuring Veda Voegele, a KI Admin Support at Institute on the Environment.

Veda is from Horace, North Dakota. She is a first year student (c/o 2029) studying Environmental Science and Political Science with a minor in Global Studies.

More about Veda:

- She read over 296 books in 2025!

- Her favorite song right now is "Sweet Lady" by Dylan Gossett.

“I love the mission-driven perspective and the kind people I have gotten to meet here.” - Veda Voegele

Ready to be inspired by the sustainability-related projects, research and artwork led by UMN students?

Join us this Friday for the annual Sustainability Symposium! The event runs 10am–5pm, come and go as you please. Tune in to a mix of student presentations and awards about leaders in sustainability in our community.

Learn more & register at z.umn.edu/SustSymposium

Want your degree to help people and the planet? Add a Sustainability Studies course to your fall schedule!

No matter your degree, these courses connect students across the U on environmental and social issues. Together, explore possibilities to create a sustainable future for people and the planet.

Learn more & register at z.umn.edu/SustCourses