Sustain SC Student Fellows
Beginning in Fall 2026, Sustain SC is furthering its student engagement support in partnership with the Duke Energy Foundation by offering one student fellowship opportunity to each higher education institution that is part of the Sustain SC’s full member network. This fellowship gives students the opportunity to attend as many Sustain SC events as they choose over a twelve-month period. Fellows will not only have the chance to learn more about sustainability topics across our focus areas — Energy, Conservation, Water, Biodiversity, Supply Chain Innovation and Circularity — but also the opportunity to build valuable relationships across Sustain SC's membership network, which includes many of the state's largest manufactures, small and mid-size businesses, utilities, local and state government, economic development partners and nonprofit organizations.
Meet the students selected for this program below.
Anna Harrold, Coastal Carolina University - Senior
Major: Sustainability and Coastal Resilience
“My passion for protecting the Earth and the people who depend on it led me to switching my major to sustainability this past year. Throughout my life, I have always wanted to find a career that has a purpose beyond myself and that makes a meaningful difference in someone's life. Having a career in sustainability is exactly what I hope to pursue.”
Kaia Dunn, University of South Carolina, Columbia - Senior
Major: International Business and Economics
“Sustainability is an essential part of the outlook on business. Sustain SC’s goals to drive innovation in sustainability through economic development and vast business and government engagement align with my interests and will build upon my foundational knowledge of these topics…there is a big future in every business sector with sustainability practices, and I intend to be a part of that future.”
Valentina Castaneda, Furman - Sophomore
Major: Environmental Science, Spanish
“I love that one of this fellowship’s goals is to connect environmental stewardship with economic growth rather than treating them as separate issues. I am realizing that for the Earth to be truly sustainable, these two factors have to work together. I am curious and excited to learn about how South Carolina can make a change toward sustainability and pursue economic development while simultaneously building resilient communities and ecosystems.”