While studying abroad at Temple Rome, STHM student Ezekiel Cartwright (left) led a sustainability project to collect and distribute used athletic clothing and equipment. (Photo courtesy of Ezekiel Cartwright)
When he thinks back, Temple University School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) senior Ezekiel Cartwright can recall the exact moment he knew he wanted to complete a semester abroad.
“I remember scrolling through social media and seeing a post from ‘Temple Education Abroad’ that caught my attention,” Cartwright says. “I had always wanted to study abroad and the post on their account made me realize how tangible it was for me to actually pursue it.”
Nearly a year after his educational voyage in Italy, Cartwright is now back on Main Campus in North Philadelphia.
However, he will always know he made an impact overseas.
In spring 2024, Cartwright utilized a scholarship grant through Temple Global Green to successfully lead a sustainability project in Rome that oversaw the donation of used athletic clothing and goods to those in need within the local community.
Global Green grants are offered by Temple Global Green, as part of Temple University Education Abroad’s commitment to sustainability and reducing the impact and carbon footprint of education abroad. Grants are distributed to support student sustainability efforts while overseas.
Cartwright first developed the concept for his project while applying for the grant.
“I was instantly drawn to the idea of working on a project that would positively impact the community within Rome but also promote sustainability, which is incredibly important in society right now,” Cartwright says.
“Being a sport and recreation management major, I wanted my project to connect to my education at STHM and the passion I have for sports and my pursuit of working within the sport industry.”
Cartwright began his project in Rome by collecting as many clothing items and goods as possible at the Porta Portese Market. He was pleasantly surprised by the support his initiative received from local sellers at the marketplace.
“As I was collecting goods and speaking with vendors, many were kind enough to donate goods instead of selling them once they realized what I was working toward,” Cartwright says.
“When I received that direct support from residents within the community, I knew that my project was heading in the right direction and could truly end up making a real impact.”
Cartwright collected goods and clothing at the Porta Portese Market in Rome.
(Photo courtesy of Ezekiel Cartwright)
Once the goods were collected, Cartwright worked with global sport management professor Francesco Castiglione to find the right organization to assist in ensuring the items went to the individuals who needed them most. They settled on the KIM Association, a nonprofit that specializes in providing minors with shelter, protection and medical care.
“KIM was a fantastic organization to work with and I am very grateful to Professor Castiglione for helping me find the perfect partnership to donate our collected goods to,” Cartwright says.
“Selecting KIM truly ensured that the donated materials would be distributed to individuals and families who really needed them, confirming that the initiative would be successful.”
Cartwright (middle row, second from left), Professor Castiglione and other Temple study abroad students with KIM Association leadership.
(Photo courtesy of Ezekiel Cartwright)
Cartwright acknowledges his successful sustainability initiative aligns with his sport industry preparedness at STHM.
“I’ve found a meaningful dialogue at STHM is the evaluation of how we can improve the sport and recreation opportunities for individuals around the world—an important element of that is making sure everyone has the right equipment and tools to participate, which sustainability can absolutely play a part of,” Cartwright says.
“This chance to complete a semester abroad in Rome was an amazing way to present my love and appreciation for the sports world with a meaningful project that was centered on sustainability.”
Those involved with Temple’s study abroad programming also took notice of Cartwright’s success.
“Ezekiel’s sustainability project is an example of what we hope any grant recipient will accomplish during their time studying abroad,” says Suzanne Willever, associate director for academics and outreach of Temple’s Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses.
“What he achieved in Rome through the Global Green Grant demonstrates the impact our community can have in places across the world as we continue our work in sustainable efforts. He was able to implement an impactful project focused on a topic he’s passionate about: sports, offering a powerful reminder that everyone can contribute to sustainability efforts.”
As Cartwright, who is originally from North Carolina, enters his final undergraduate semester, he senses his memories abroad truly impacted his time at Temple.
“My time being a part of this community has allowed me to pursue my dreams of living in a big city with great sports teams and pursue a career within the sport industry,” Cartwright says. “This chance to complete a semester abroad in Rome was not just an educational experience, but a transformative one that really broadened my overall mindset, and I am proud to see what we accomplished.
“I highly recommend that all students pursue a study abroad opportunity, as it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
To hear more about Ezekiel’s sustainability project in Rome, listen to his appearance on the CANIE (Climate Action Network for International Educators) podcast, “Climate Dialogues.”
Interested in studying abroad in Rome, Japan or Spain?
Explore the possibilities. (Application deadline for fall 2025 or 2025-26 academic year is April 1)