SUNY ESF and Syracuse Pulp & Paper Foundation Launch Transformative New Engineering Experience for High School Students

Week-long residential experience will introduce high school students to engineering research, industry careers, and college life

07/20/2026

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — July 21, 2026 — The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), in partnership with the Syracuse Pulp & Paper Foundation (SPPF), will welcome 35 rising high school seniors to its Syracuse campus for the first-ever Explore Engineering Summer Program, taking place Aug. 2–7, 2026.

The immersive, week-long residential program is designed to introduce students from across New York State and beyond to engineering education, research, and career opportunities. Participants will live in Centennial Hall, experience campus life, engage directly with ESF faculty and graduate students, and work collaboratively on hands-on research projects that address real-world challenges.

Explore Engineering will give students an opportunity to discover how engineering and sustainability work together to address some of society's most pressing challenges, from renewable resources and materials innovation to environmental protection and waste reduction. Through team-based projects, students will learn how engineers approach complex problems, communicate ideas, and develop practical solutions with real-world impact.

Throughout the week, students will explore a wide range of engineering disciplines through laboratory experiences, industry visits, professional development workshops, and research presentations. Participants will gain exposure to ESF's engineering programs, including chemical, environmental resources, and sustainable engineering fields, while learning from faculty, graduate students, and industry professionals. Trailhead Café will provide most meals during the program.

The program reflects a shared commitment by ESF and SPPF to inspire the next generation of engineers and strengthen pathways into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

“ESF has world-class engineering,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “By bringing talented high school students to our campus and connecting them with faculty, researchers and industry partners, we are providing an early glimpse into the innovation, collaboration and problem-solving that define an ESF education. We are grateful to the Syracuse Pulp & Paper Foundation for its partnership in making this opportunity possible.”

“The Syracuse Pulp & Paper Foundation (SPPF) is extremely excited to partner with SUNY ESF in bringing to life the “Explore Engineering” summer program,” said Seth Walters, SPPF president. “None of this would be possible without direct support from our corporate sponsors including Asten-Johnson, Ecolab, Honeywell, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), Smurfit-WestRock, Suzano, Sylvamo, and Valmet. Thanks to their contributions students will be receiving customized process engagement and insight into the world of sustainable engineering. Engineering is deeply rooted in everything we do, and SPPF couldn’t be happier investing in the next generation of leaders.”

“K-12 Outreach is excited to host the inaugural Explore Engineering Program this summer,” said Olivia Whitmarsh, ESF K-12 Outreach coordinator. “The collaboration between professionals at ESF and SPPF to bring this to life has been a tremendous lift, and we’re grateful to everyone who is making this possible — whether through lending their expertise, material resources or time spent preparing.”

Students will spend the week participating in hands-on engineering and research experiences, exploring ESF laboratories and facilities, visiting regional industry partners including Smurfit-Westrock and the PCA Box Plant, engaging in career exploration and leadership development activities, and collaborating on research projects with ESF faculty and graduate students. Participants will also explore ESF's pilot paper mill and engineering laboratories, investigate topics including hydrology and sustainable materials, and develop systems-thinking and problem-solving skills through collaborative projects.

The program also includes community-building and service opportunities, presentations from industry professionals, and a final research showcase where students will present their work to family members and guests. The week will conclude on Aug. 7, when families are welcomed to campus to attend student research presentations, participate in a celebratory luncheon and meet with ESF Admissions representatives.

About SUNY ESF

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study, and conduct research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across New York state.

About the Syracuse Pulp & Paper Foundation

Founded in 1960, the Syracuse Pulp & Paper Foundation (SPPF) partners with industry leaders and SUNY ESF to support education, workforce development, and innovation in the pulp, paper, packaging, and allied industries. Through scholarships, grants, mentorship, internships, and professional networking opportunities, SPPF helps students gain the skills and experiences needed to become future engineering and manufacturing leaders. The Foundation's long-standing collaboration with ESF strengthens pathways between the classroom and industry while promoting sustainable technologies and solutions that address real-world challenges. SPPF's support helps students connect academic learning with careers in industries that produce renewable materials, sustainable packaging, and innovative products used every day around the world.