Environment is proud to announce the KEEN Graduate Entrance Scholarships to support Environment students entering the Master of Climate Change, Master of Development Practice, and Master of Economic Development and Innovation programs, and the KEEN Global Citizen Internships! KEEN will be supporting 15 of Waterloo Environment’s sustainability leaders.
Thanks to generous donors like KEEN, the Global Citizen Internship Program allows students to work with non-profit partners like Nature Conservancy to apply their knowledge in the field, and support our communities.
Meet Matthew Merko one of the folks behind the generous gift helping us move together for a sustainable future.
Hi Matthew! Please describe what your role is at KEEN?
I am the Director of I&E — or what we refer to as Insights and Engagement — at KEEN in Canada. My role is to manage the day-to-day tactics we use in Canada to attract new fans, spread the word about KEEN, and do good things in the community.
KEEN has a long history of building product for people to enjoy the outdoors. What attracted you and your organization to the Faculty of Environment?
We know that there is a lot of good in protecting, nurturing, and caring for the places we play. We had the opportunity to meet some of the students and staff at the faculty and we were inspired by the work and research that was being done, along with the level of problem solving that was being tackled.
In particular what was it about the Global Citizen Internship program, and the Nature Conservancy that you thought was a good fit for KEEN?
We think this is a total win for all parties involved – be it KEEN, NCC, or the students. This really is an amazing way to be involved in some great work happening across the country.
Why is corporate social responsibility important as Canadians of all kinds come together for a sustainable future?
KEEN has a separate department called “The KEEN Effect Team” that is tasked with making sure KEEN is doing the right thing in the community. From evaluating the materials and product building processes we use, to how we give back in the community, to how we lobby governments around the world to protect the places we play.
Thoughts on the students involved, and the opportunity they now have because of your gift?
We are so honoured to be a part of this relationship and draw inspiration from all the students and staff we meet.
Want to know how the impact a Global Citizen Internship can have?
Meet Janet Song, a student in the Master of Economic Development and Innovation program. Song was awarded this year’s 2019 KEEN Graduate Entrance Scholarship, and KKEN recently caught up with her to get into the mind of one of our grantees and see the impact she’s already making in the world.
