UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Sustainability and other Penn State units will host a series of events throughout April in celebration of Earth Month, offering students, faculty, staff and community members numerous opportunities to engage in sustainability through education, collaboration and action.
Earth Month programming will take place across multiple Penn State campuses and disciplines, reflecting the University’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Events throughout April are designed to connect participants with opportunities to learn, take action and explore solutions to environmental challenges at both local and global levels. While several events are highlighted below, visit Penn State Sustainability’s event calendar for even more events and opportunities.
Kicking off Earth Month
Earth Month begins with opportunities to engage in statewide collaboration and student-driven sustainability initiatives.
Prepare PA Regional Launch Meeting (Pittsburgh):
Wednesday, April 1, 5-7 p.m., Pittsburgh (location provided upon registration). This regional launch meeting will convene local leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders to discuss climate resilience planning and regional priorities across Pennsylvania. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in collaborative discussions and learn how to get involved in upcoming sustainability initiatives.
“Green the Feed” Student Social Media Competition:
Wednesday, April 1, through Tuesday, April 7, virtual. This weeklong student competition invites participants to share sustainability-focused content across social media platforms. Posts may highlight campus initiatives, personal actions or broader environmental themes, with selected entries recognized for creativity and impact.
John Roe Sustainability Impact Awards nominations:
Through Friday, April 10. Nominations are open for the 2026 John Roe Sustainability Impact Awards, recognizing students and faculty advancing the global Sustainable Development Goals. Winners will receive $1,000 applied to their bursar account and are selected for their leadership, integrity and commitment to sustainability.
Campus engagement and hands-on learning
Mid-month events provide opportunities for experiential learning and campus-based sustainability engagement.
Prepare PA Regional Launch Meeting (Scranton):
Wednesday, April 8, 5-7 p.m., Penn State Fullers Overlook. This regional session will bring together partners in northeastern Pennsylvania to discuss climate preparedness and community resilience, with opportunities for collaboration and region-specific dialogue on sustainability challenges and solutions.
Student Bird Walk at Shaver's Creek:
Wednesday, April 8, 7:30-8:30 a.m., Shaver's Creek Environmental Center. Join this morning bird walk to get out and explore the beauty of central Pennsylvania with fellow students. Sustain Penn State is offering free shuttle transportation for Penn State students who register by April 1, departing at 6:30 a.m. from Thomas Building Shuttle Stop.
Waste Audit (Business Building):
Wednesday, April 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., University Park, Business Building. This hands-on waste audit will allow participants to examine campus waste streams and better understand consumption patterns. Findings will help inform future waste reduction strategies and sustainability planning efforts.
Waste Audit (Katz Building):
Wednesday, April 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., University Park, Katz Building. A second campus waste audit will provide another opportunity for students and staff to participate in hands-on sustainability research, sorting and analyzing waste to identify opportunities for improved diversion and reduction.
Film, arts and interdisciplinary perspectives
These events highlight the role of storytelling, creativity and interdisciplinary approaches in advancing sustainability.
Intersections Film Series screening of “Sally”:
Wednesday, April 8, 7-9 p.m., online. This screening will feature “Sally,” a documentary that explores the life and legacy of pioneering astronaut Sally Ride, examining themes of identity, representation and the barriers women face in science and leadership. As part of the Intersections Film Series, the event will connect these themes to broader conversations around equity, visibility and social change, followed by opportunities for reflection and discussion.
“Cultivation” Sustainability Symposium:
Thursday, April 9, 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m., University Park, Hetzel Union Building (HUB). Hosted by the College of Arts and Architecture, this annual symposium highlights the intersection of sustainability and creative practice, featuring student work, research and collaborative dialogue across disciplines.
Research, innovation and student leadership
Late-April events emphasize student-driven solutions and research focused on climate resilience and sustainability.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation Project Fair (New Kensington):
Tuesday, April 21, 6-8 p.m., Penn State New Kensington Art Gallery. This project fair will feature student and community-driven work focused on climate resilience and adaptation strategies, offering attendees the opportunity to explore innovative projects and connect with regional partners.
Lunch and Learn with Laurene Allen:
Wednesday, April 22, 12:30-1:30 p.m., State College Municipal Building. This session will feature environmental advocate Laurene Allen, whose work focuses on PFAS contamination and community health, highlighting grassroots advocacy, environmental justice and community-driven policy change.
4th Annual Student Sustainability Summit:
Thursday, April 23, 12:30-6:30 p.m., University Park, Heritage Hall HUB-Robeson Center. This annual summit brings together students from across Penn State to present sustainability projects, share ideas and collaborate on solutions to environmental and social challenges.
Spring 2026 Campus & Community Sustainability Expo
Thursday, April 30, 5-7 p.m., State College Municipal Building. The Expo will showcase student-led research, projects and partnerships facilitated by the Sustainable Communities Collaborative, bringing together campus and community collaborators in a poster-style event open to the public.
Community connection and collaboration
The final week of Earth Month focuses on building connections and exploring sustainability across communities and careers.
Earth Week “Pop Corn” Session:
Friday, April 24, noon-1 p.m., online. This interactive PA GreenGov Council session will spotlight sustainability initiatives across Pennsylvania through brief, engaging presentations, offering participants a broader view of collective impact and opportunities for collaboration.
HHD Sustainability Council Networking Event:
Friday, April 24, 2-3:30 p.m., University Park, 101 HHD Building. Hosted by the College of Health and Human Development Sustainability Council, this networking event invites students, faculty and staff to connect around shared sustainability interests and build interdisciplinary partnerships.
Environmental Stewardship MoneyCounts webinar:
Tuesday, April 28, noon-1 p.m., online. This webinar will explore the relationship between personal finance and environmental sustainability, offering practical strategies for making environmentally responsible financial decisions and aligning everyday choices with sustainability goals.
A statewide commitment to sustainability
Together, these events demonstrate Penn State’s statewide approach to sustainability, bringing together students, faculty, staff and community partners to address environmental challenges through education, research and action.
Additional details, including event times, locations and registration information, are available on the Penn State Sustainability website.