How the SWACO Scholarship Program Lowers College Costs And Builds Careers

College costs keep climbing, but the need for skilled environmental leaders has never been more urgent. Hanna and Joe welcomed Kaylee Oiler, the SWACO contract administrator who oversees our scholarship program, to unpack how we help launch real careers in sustainability, engineering, policy, and solid waste management.  From the eligibility basics to the essay that seals the deal, we break down what matters most and why these awards are designed to drive impact you can see.

We walk through the essentials: who can apply, accepted degree paths, and the timeline for the application window and scholarship announcements. Kaylee explains how our eight-person review committee evaluates passion, purpose, and a clear plan to serve communities—especially through projects that improve recycling, expand composting, or modernize landfill operations. 

Along the way, we talk about the bigger picture: how SWACO’s decades of student engagement—from classroom visits to landfill education—feed a growing pipeline of talent. Universities now offer far more options in environmental science, environmental engineering, public policy, and circular economy fields, creating paths for students who want to pair technical skills with community impact. When we invest in these learners, we invest in cleaner neighborhoods, smarter infrastructure, and a stronger local workforce.

If you or someone you know is a graduating senior or GED student with a passion for sustainability, now’s the time. Apply at SWACO.org by March 31, share this episode with a friend who needs the nudge, and help us build the next generation of waste and recycling leaders!

Transcript

SPEAKER_02 0:10

Welcome to Waste Dead. A waste and recycling podcast by Swaco. Well, it might only be February, but we've had some warm days recently reminding us that spring is nearly here and many students in Ohio are dreaming of warmer weather. Thanks for tuning in to this month's edition of Waste Ed. I'm Hannah Greer Brown, Director of Communications.

SPEAKER_00 0:36

And I'm Joe Lombardi, Executive Director. For many high school seniors, summer might also mean getting a job to save for college in the fall. You know, as a father of three college graduates, Hannah, and I know you have a son soon to be heading to college in another year or so. I'm sure you can agree with me when you start looking at these universities that college is expensive.

SPEAKER_02 0:58

Oh, yeah. Sticker shock for sure.

Why SWACO Launched Scholarships

SPEAKER_00 1:00

Yes, and and and I just read recently where the average public university in Ohio costs$37,000 per year. Wow. And private universities in Ohio average anywhere between$45,000 and$70,000 per year. That's that's incredible and it's expensive. So that is exactly why last year Swayco launched its first ever scholarship program to help offset those costs of higher education for students interested in environmental and waste management studies. And last year's recipients, we had two of them. We had Sophia Barnes, who was a graduate of New Albany High School, and she is currently studying at Elon University in North Carolina. I think her field of study is public policy and environmental studies. And Garrett Peterson was from Dublin Kaufman High School, and he's currently at Chatham University in Pennsylvania, where he plans to study business and environmental sciences. So it was great to help those two young people out with our scholarship program last year.

Meet The Program Lead

SPEAKER_02 2:10

Yeah, that was so exciting. Preparing the next generation of environmental leaders and world changers is critical to the future of our region. And we're so pleased today to be joined by Kayle Euler, contract administrator for Swaco, who oversees Swaco's scholarship program. Welcome to the program. Thank you so much for having me.

SPEAKER_00 2:28

Well, Kaylee, you worked at Swaco now for a couple years, and you helped support our legal team, our board of trustees, our DEI committee, among other things. So how does helping administer the scholarship program compare to your normal day-to-day work?

SPEAKER_01 2:45

I'd say it aligns closely with my day-to-day work. In my role, I focus on compliance, documentation, and sharing programs and administer are administered fairly and consistently. The scholarship process follows that same structured approach. But instead of working with contract and vendors, we're supporting students and families, which makes it especially meaningful.

Eligibility And Award Details

SPEAKER_00 3:05

Yeah, and I think it's great. And uh give our listeners just kind of a rundown of how that scholarship program works, who's eligible, how much money, is there any evaluation committee that is looking at these applications?

SWACO’s Student Education Legacy

SPEAKER_01 3:18

So the SWACO scholarship supports graduating high school seniors and graduating GED students who are pursuing degrees in environmental science, sustainability, engineering, or other fields connected to solid waste management. It's designed to reduce financial barriers while also strengthening the pipeline of future leaders in the environmental and waste industry. The scholarship awards$2,500 per academic year for up to four years, and with a total not to exceed$10,000. And to be eligible, students must be graduating high school seniors with at least 20 credits or graduating GED students, and they must be accepted to an accredited institution and reside within Swaco's district or plan to attend a college within the district.

Application Window And Process

SPEAKER_02 4:08

Well, you know this, Joe, but for our listeners who may be just getting familiar with Swaco, we have been introducing students from kindergarten through college age to landfill engineering, design, and resource conservation for over 25 years. And this scholarship program is a great next step in the investments we're making in the next generation of waste and recycling leaders. Kaylee, tell us a little bit about the application process. I think we're currently accepting applications. So what does that look like? How does somebody connect with the application and when do they need to apply by?

SPEAKER_01 4:40

Yes, so the applications are currently open. I think the application process is pretty straightforward. It opened February 2nd, it goes to March 31st. And students can access the application directly on Swacos website. They'll complete the application online and submit the required documentation before the deadline. After the application period closes, our evaluation committee reviews all eligible submissions, and then the recipient will be notified by May 1st.

What The Essay Should Show

SPEAKER_00 5:08

This application process, when I looked at it when we were putting it together, I'm thinking, man, I wish we had this for every last one that I ever filled out. Because this was pretty simple compared to some of the others. And uh, you know, it was a great day when those two recipients came and they were the parents were happy, they were smiling, the the kids loved it. It was just a wonderful chance for us to give back to our students.

SPEAKER_02 5:33

Do we ask them to fill out like a little narrative or submit an essay on the application?

SPEAKER_01 5:38

We do. So um we ask them a little bit about themselves, and then we also ask for an essay, a one page or nothing crazy, um, to explain how their um a degree is going to help our communities.

SPEAKER_00 5:53

And there is a committee that reviews the criteria and and scores those applications, correct?

SPEAKER_01 6:00

Yes, absolutely. There is a committee of about eight people that sit down and review the applicants.

SPEAKER_02 6:06

Is there anything that the committee is looking for or a tip or trick that you could give to our listeners about something that might stand out in an application or set the applicant apart?

SPEAKER_01 6:18

I think the committee is looking for students who clearly connect their academic goals to the environmental impact. Strong applicants demonstrate genuine passion for sustainability, thoughtful career plans, and an understanding of how their degree ties into the waste environmental field. Just being passionate and making sure that their goals align with sustainability and waste management and just being genuine.

Who Can Apply In Franklin County

SPEAKER_00 6:43

Uh Kaylee, let me follow up uh on a couple things in terms of the application and who's eligible. Is this uh process for the scholarship, is this open to a certain school district area or is it all of Franklin County?

SPEAKER_01 6:59

So yeah, any school district in Franklin County, um, that's private, public, suburban schools like Reynoldsburg, Bexley, oh, charter schools, you know, if as long as you have 20 graduating credits, you can apply.

SPEAKER_00 7:13

And and that could include if you're homeschooled as well. Yes, yep. Okay. That's great. That's great. And we try to give at least two scholarships out per year if we can?

Trends In Environmental Majors

SPEAKER_01 7:25

We can. It just depends on the applicant pool. Um, if we feel that two are very similar um or really close in their scoring, then yes, we will give two.

SPEAKER_00 7:35

I know when I was going to school, I won't say when. Uh environmental studies, I don't think there was even in any of our majors that at Capitol, but I I do know business is what I I received my degree in. That was big, and accounting and and computer science. But today, a lot of these universities are are really pushing this environmental studies. And I know environmental law is big, environmental engineering is very big. Um, as you're going through this with your children, are you seeing that as you look at some of the majors that are being offered now at these schools that heck they didn't even have back when I was going to school?

What Stands Out In Applicants

SPEAKER_02 8:18

Yeah, definitely. I think you can pretty much study anything nowadays. You know, when I was in school, um, didn't study environmental sciences, was very interested in foreign languages and wound up with a bachelor in Spanish and communications. So uh yeah, I think there are lots of opportunities for students to study whatever their passion project is. And I think Kaylee, you mentioned earlier we're looking for applicants who are passionate about sustainability and the waste industry. And so um, as they're downloading the application and applying for this, we really want to see that shine through in the essays that they submit.

SPEAKER_00 8:52

Yeah. And and Kaylee, when you uh looked at the applications last year, uh what impressed you the most with some of the applications? Like, was it the passion that these children have for the environment, or was it just some of the unique ideas for a degree that they have? What what stood out?

SPEAKER_01 9:12

I think what stood out the most to me is how many clubs and organizations that these children um are into and how they're already giving back to the environment by doing that at their school or starting new programs at their school or in their communities. Um it was amazing. As well as we have uh we had an applicant last year that already started a business. Um it was very unique um reading their essays and learning about them.

SPEAKER_02 9:36

I love that. And Joe, I know you just recently visited a local school and met with their green team. And I it feels like for all the time we're hearing from schools who are interested in starting recycling programs, or there's some sort of student-led sustainability initiative taking shape. So uh really love to hear that you're seeing that come through in the applications for the scholarship program as well.

Closing Reminder And Mission

SPEAKER_00 9:56

We do send out notifications to some of the school districts that we are uh accepting applications. And I know uh last year when Sophia and Garrett won, um I sent a personal email to the principal of that school and to the superintendent at that school district, which they can celebrate them as well as they graduate and move on and become uh college students. I did I did find something interesting. Um, you know, Elon University, I wasn't sure where it was at. And so I had to, I'm I'm a junkie for information. And I found out that the word Elon is Hebrew for oak because there's a lot of oak trees, I guess, on the campus. And first year students receive an acorn when they come to school on their first day, and then when they graduate, they receive an oak tree sapling as they leave Elon. I thought that was my acorn. I I want to I want an oak tree in my backyard. Yeah, it would take a while to grow, but uh heck, that'd be great. Well, Kaylee, uh, thank you for joining us this month uh to spotlight Swaco Scholarship Program. You know, as a reminder, applications are available at Swaco.org, and we're accepting applications through the end of March. Kaylee, any parting comments before we let you go?

SPEAKER_01 11:22

I think I'd just like to say when we invest in students who are passionate about sustainability and waste management, we're investing in the future of our communities. The work we do today shapes the environment we leave behind, and supporting the next generation of leaders ensures that progress continues long after us.

SPEAKER_00 11:39

Yeah, I can't I can't agree more with you because as you two know, I'm I'm pushing us to get into our schools and talk to our students because we have to leave them a better earth than we found it, right? And hopefully they'll do the same thing for their generation behind them.

SPEAKER_02 11:57

Well, that'll do it for this episode. As always, if you have ideas for our future podcast topic, email us at questions at suaco.org or send us a message on social media. Thank you for tuning in to Waste Ed, a waste and recycling podcast by Swaco. We'll see you next month.