About The Summer Sustainability Institute: The Summer Sustainability Institute (SSI) is a fun, immersive, hands-on summer program for high school students in Beaver County. The program is an educational experience in sustainability and community development and meets generally twice per week at various locations around Beaver County. These meetings will introduce students to exciting and innovative organizations and initiatives in the region that exist at the intersection of community and sustainability.
Intended to provide both a local and global introduction to the issues of sustainable development and leadership, this program offers a unique opportunity for students who wish to become more aware of how to be leaders for change in their community and beyond.
Watch to learn more: Visit our collection of SSI videos on YouTube to see the program in action.
Partners: Some of our previous nonprofit and municipal partners include the following: Neighborhood North: Museum of Play, Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community (BCMAC), Reforest Our Future, Three Rivers Waterkeeper and Allegheny CleanWays, Crop and Kettle, Uncommon Grounds Cafe, The Genesis Collective, the city of Beaver Falls, the Beaver Falls Community Development Corporation, Communicycle, and others.
Registration for the 2026 program is now open! REGISTER HERE.
Qualities of the Ideal Candidate: High school aged students interested in learning about building stronger communities, community development, sustainability, environmental responsibility, and other related topics. The ideal candidate should have an interest in receiving real world exposure to environmental, economic, and social justice work being done in Beaver County, western PA, and beyond.
Requirements: Eligible students must be a Beaver County student who has just completed 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
Cost: Free!
Program Benefits: All students who complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion, a customized letter of recommendation, and a $250 stipend.
Students will also be introduced to a wide and growing network of leaders, organizations, and employers who are engaged in sustainable community development efforts throughout Beaver County and beyond.
Further Program Dates and Details: The program will be held at various locations between July 1 and Aug. 7, meeting on Wednesdays and Thursdays with a final celebration on Friday, Aug. 7.
Deadline: The application deadline is until June 19. Simple registration is available here.
The schedule is still being finalized. Check back in June for the finalized itinerary!