JASON Learning, Recycling Companies and Schools Set Standard for Education Partnership
Las Vegas – The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc. (ISRI) and JASON Learning today announced a partnership between schools in Baltimore, MD and Kalamazoo, MI, and local recycling companies to create a replicable model for collaborations to teach the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects related to recycling in grades K-12.
“ISRI is proud to be partnering with JASON and local schools on this one-of-a-kind initiative to help teach the science of recycling in classrooms and get kids interested in careers in science,” said Robin Wiener, president of ISRI. “The two pilot programs led by ISRI members United Iron and Metal, and Schupan and Sons will give children the opportunity to see how recycling works up close, teach them the skills needed for careers in the field, and help them develop an interest in STEM subjects. It is through this education process that the recycling industry will gain its next generation of leaders.”
At Lakeland Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore, United Iron & Metal LLC (which is owned by Atlantic Recycling Group) is demonstrating how a local business can reach out to the community by providing JASON STEM curricula to every student in the school. The demonstration partnership pioneers the opportunity for local ISRI members to take this model and co-brand STEM learning.
A second model is being set up by Schupan & Sons, Inc., working with an educational resources center in Kalamazoo to effect public education at school districts throughout the county. This provides training for teachers and a full curriculum roll-out that brings STEM learning into the schools while partnered with JASON, and gives recyclers the opportunity to give back to the community.
“JASON Learning is grateful for ISRI’s commitment to education, which will help to seed the next generation of STEM professionals in their community,” noted JASON Chief Executive Vice President and Operating Officer Dr. Eleanor Smalley. “JASON Learning is committed to connecting kids with real-world science and with the scientists who are doing the work. Our partnership with ISRI demonstrates to students the practical uses of STEM subjects and how they can be part of an exciting future career.”
ISRI and JASON developed unique lessons that teach the “science of scrap,” and introduce students to a growing industry that needs trained chemists and chemical engineers, mechanical engineers, metallurgists and other degreed professionals. The lessons include standards-based, K-12 curricular experiences; interactive Web-based experiences to enhance student engagement; classroom posters featuring key educational messages; a leveraged national distribution network; strategies for school visits to ISRI facilities; age-appropriate lesson plans based on life cycle for each commodity; and more.
ISRI’s made a $10,000 investment to develop the Baltimore model linking local recyclers with their schools and communities. JASON matched ISRI’s dollars with an in-kind contribution.
* * *
CONTACTS
For ISRI:
Mark Carpenter
202-662-8525
For JASON Learning
Jim Zebora
The Dilenschneider Group
212-922-0900
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) is the Voice of the Recycling Industry™. ISRI represents more than 1,600 companies in 21 chapters nationwide that process, broker and industrially consume scrap commodities, including metals, paper, plastics, glass, rubber, electronics and textiles. With headquarters in Washington, DC, the Institute provides safety, education, advocacy, and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development.
JASON Learning is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization managed by Sea Research Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the National Geographic Society. Named for the mythological Greek explorer, JASON is a nationally acclaimed, exploration-based program that links students — inside the classroom and out — to real science and scientists through technology intensive, inquiry-based curricular experiences. Learn more at
jason.org.