CAHSS Student Spotlight: Sierra Schultz – Environmental Policy and Planning
Like many other high school students, as Sierra Schultz prepared to graduate, she was unsure what the path ahead of her would look like.
One thing she said she knew for certain, however, was that she wanted to serve any community she was in, and she wanted to do that through sustainability and conservation.
That passion led her to the Environmental Policy and Planning (EPP) program here at UW-Green Bay.
“Originally, I was thinking about going into sociology. But when I got to campus and started to meet the professors, I really fell in love with the EPP program,” she said.
As a junior expected to graduate in Spring 2026, Schultz said she is still unsure what exactly her future career might look like, but she expressed that the opportunities and experiences the program has provided her has excelled in preparing her for a future career in sustainability and conservation.
“We have lots of professional connections that come in and out of the classroom,” Schultz explained.
One of those connections was with the City of De Pere, where she and classmates were given the opportunity to work with the city planner.
Schultz also took a summer internship with Outagamie County in their Development and Land Services Department where she got real-world experience with planning and zoning.
Outside of the classroom, Schultz said one of her biggest achievements was starting the Eco Planning and Policy Alliance (EPPA) org on campus. This campus org was created in Spring 2024 with Schultz and a few of her EPP classmates.
“Initially it was a recruitment measure to get our numbers up in the program, and EPP didn’t have a club like a lot of the other majors do,” she said.
Schultz is the current president of this club, planning events centered on sustainability and bringing awareness to the EPP program. EPPA is also considered the one sustainable org on the UWGB campus.
“EPPA is a club for EPP students but also for anyone just looking for sustainable events and resources,” she said.
This semester, Schultz said EPPA is serving its community by putting on programs such as a DIY junk journal event – where students can make their own journal out of recycled materials – and upcycling and thrifting events with second-hand clothes to serve their community through sustainability.
Additionally, EPPA is planning on partnering with local charities to make donations.
Since EPPA was created to encourage students to join the EPP program, Schultz’s advice for new students is to get involved with classmates and professors to be as successful as possibe.
“We’re a small program and getting to know some of those people that are going to follow you through your more advanced classes will make your time here easier and more enjoyable,” she said.
Schultz said it’s also important to network and continue to build professional relationships with the faculty.
“They [EPP professors] care about your success and where you’re going post-grad,” she said. “I’ve met people in the professional world who’ve had the same professors as me and having those connections will definitely help you succeed.”
As Schultz continues her educational journey and moves closer to graduation, she notes how the EPP program has helped her realize her goals and what’s to come once she gets her degree.
“I really appreciate this program, and these opportunities helped me narrow down and choose my emphasis (in) urban design…” she said. “I really love this work and it’s definitely what I want to do with my path.”
To learn more about the Environmental Policy & Planning program, click here.
Written by CAHSS Social Media Manager Camilla Doherty.
