SUNY Morrisville student is among first interns for SUNY Climate Corps Internship Program

SUNY Morrisville student Hunter White is already making his mark in the environmental industry.

He is among the State University of New York's inaugural class of paid student interns from the SUNY Climate Corps Internship Program.

Thirty-six SUNY students from eight campuses were selected for immersive, real-life work experiences in research and policy at state agencies with environmental and sustainability missions and SUNY System Administration.

White, an environmental & natural resources management bachelor's degree major from Truxton, is interning as a forestry technician 1 at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Sherburne Office.

SUNY students were selected based on demonstrated interest in sustainability careers and potential for leadership and innovation, with a preference for those who come from disadvantaged communities designated under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and students facing related barriers to obtaining an internship experience.

"SUNY students are prepared to take on the climate fight and shape a future where innovation and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand," Governor Kathy Hochul said in a news release when she launched the program. "The Climate Corps Internship Program is an opportunity for our state to mentor a new generation of public servants, to learn from them and their expertise, and to channel more resources toward this critical fight," she said.

Growing up as an outdoorsman, the environment had a profound impact on White and his career choice.

"The environment gives so much to us, we should try to give back," he said. "I am trying to pursue a greener and renewable environment for generations to come."

That seed was nurtured at SUNY Morrisville where White received myriad skills through the college's environmental programs and sustainability practices.

"Going to Morrisville and working at the DEC opened my eyes to even more about the environment," he said. "I am loving this internship so far. It is like going to school - every day I am gaining new skills."

SUNY Morrisville continues to make strides that align with the governor's climate goals through its campus efforts, as well as programs and offerings which are creating a workforce essential to meeting New York's climate goals.

This year, the college earned a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) Silver rating in recognition of its sustainability from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

A graduate of Homer Senior High School, White is the son of Angie and Alfred White, of Truxton.