Workforce Initiative for a Sustainable Environment (WISE)
The Workforce Initiative for a Sustainable Environment (WISE) aims to build the region’s polymer sustainability talent pipeline through industry-aligned courses, webinars, and experiential learning and strives to catalyze more environmentally friendly polymers, economic growth, and global competitiveness.
WISE is led by the University of Akron in collaboration with Kent State University, Stark State University, Case Western Reserve University, and Central State University, under the umbrella of The Polymer Industry Cluster's Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub. WISE is funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration with cost share funds provided by Jobs Ohio.
UA Courses that are eligible for tuition incentives & wrap-around services
Sustainability is the next frontier of polymer innovation. WISE addresses a critical industry skills gap by offering tuition incentives courses covering topics in polymer sustainability to grow a workforce with polymer sustainability expertise.
up to $500/credit tuition incentive per course
Apply for Tuition Incentives and Wrap-Around Services
Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) non-credit courses for students and industry professionals that are eligible for tuition incentives
Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impact of products across their full lifecycle, from raw materials to end-of-life. WISE’s industry-informed LCA courses are designed to meet the needs of the polymer sector and compatibility with future academic credit for prior learning.
up to $1,000 tuition incentive per course/microcredential for UA students and industry professionals
Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) internships
Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) measures the environmental impact of products from raw materials to end‑of‑life. WISE supports four paid, one‑year internships that provide UA students with real‑world LCA experience in industry settings (dependent upon partial industry sponsorship).
$20,000 stipend - $10,000 WISE/$10,000 industry
up to $12,950 in tuition remission - $10,450 tuition WISE/$2,500 industry
Industry interested in sponsoring an LCA intern and UA students seeking an LCA internship should email WISE@uakron.edu for more information
“Lifecycle Assessment for Executives” webinars
These WISE‑sponsored webinars will equip industry professionals and executives with essential LCA knowledge to confidently commission studies, interpret results, and communicate environmental impacts.
First webinar coming early Fall 2026 – date and time TBD
