Area universities, KLB join forces to benefit state

Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), the state’s non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to litter prevention and waste reduction, recently joined forces with the University of Louisiana System as part of its 2012-2013 Healthy Communities Grants program.  KLB has awarded the UL System $30,000 to implement a series of projects around Louisiana.

“Each UL System school has a tradition of serving the communities in which they reside.  This partnership with Keep Louisiana Beautiful will allow all nine universities to engage students, faculty, staff, and community members in efforts to promote waste reduction, litter abatement and recycling.  With 93,000 students in our system, we hope for meaningful and lasting impacts from these projects and are thankful for KLB’s support,” Wayne Parker, UL System Board of Supervisors chair, said.

Now until June 1, 2013, the nine universities in the UL System will create student-led projects through their service-learning programs and participate in events focusing on environmental and clean-up activities. Two projects will be implemented at each of the nine institutions, the first of which includes each institution to host a recycling awareness event for America Recycles Day on Nov. 15, 2012.  The second project includes each institution executing a campus/community project as part of the Great American Cleanup in spring 2013.

The total value of the project, including the universities’ in-kind matches, is $66,600, with KLB reimbursing $30,000 to the UL System. The UL System is one of 35 recipients awarded throughout the state.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity to be partnering with the nine universities through the UL system,” Leigh Harris, KLB executive director, said. “We have seen how passionate college students are about philanthropy and the future. We are happy to provide an opportunity to engage with them toward making a real difference in our state.”

The nine UL System schools are Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and the University of New Orleans.

To find out more about KLB’s upcoming programs and projects, visit KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org, like us on facebook or follow us on twitter.

KLB invites those interested to attend the KLB State Conference on Oct. 24-26 in New Iberia, La. Registration for the conference is available on KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org.

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Posted by Graphic Designer 2 on Oct 12 2012. Filed under Editorial. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.