Are you a high school student interested in saving the planet and really making a difference in the community? Getting involved with an environmental campaign is always a great way to gain experience, develop leadership skills, and work toward a healthier planet. In this blog, we present 10 environmental campaigns that high school students should join. Whether you want to work on climate action, wildlife conservation, or environmental policy, there's a campaign awaiting you!
1. Youth Climate Strike
Location: Global (local chapters worldwide)
Program Dates: Ongoing, with major events typically in September
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Application Deadline: None (join anytime)
The youth climate strike campaign is perfect for high school students passionate about climate activism and environmental justice. Organized demonstrations, community outreaches, and lobbying are tools used by members to urge governments to act on climate change. The campaign is part of the global Fridays for Future movement inspired by Greta Thunberg and connects students to a worldwide network of activists. High school students thus get some hands-on experience with grassroots organizing, public speaking, and advocacy for environmental policy.
2. Earthwatch Student Expeditions
Location: Various global field sites (e.g., Costa Rica, Kenya, USA)
Program Dates: Summer sessions, typically June–August
Cost: $2,000–$4,000 (scholarships available)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18
Application Deadline: Varies by expedition, usually by March
This environmental research summer program caters to high school students who like ecological fieldwork and conservation science. Students accompany scientists into the field to collect data, monitor wildlife, and restore habitats. Earthwatch maintains partners with universities and research institutions across the globe to offer authentic research experiences. That way, the participants are trained in scientific methodology, teamwork, and environmental stewardship, which leads them to take an active role in current conservation research.
3. Sierra Club Youth Leadership Program
Location: United States (various regional chapters)
Program Dates: Year-round with summer intensives
Cost: Free or low cost depending on chapter
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18
Application Deadline: Varies by chapter, typically early spring
This environmental leadership program is for high school students interested in sustainability and advocacy. There are workshops, community projects, and campaign planning activities focused on topics such as clean energy, biodiversity, and environmental justice. Sierra Club has been one of the foremost environmental organizations in conservation work. Students gain leadership skills, experience in grassroots campaigning, and opportunities to present their projects to local policymakers.
4. Ocean Conservancy Youth Advisory Council
Location: Virtual and Washington, D.C.
Program Dates: Annual term from September to June
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18 with interest in marine conservation
Application Deadline: June 30 annually
Ideal for high school students interested in ocean sciences and policy, this marine conservation program sees members collaborate in campaigns against plastic pollution, conservation of marine habitats, and promotion of sustainable fisheries. The Ocean Conservancy stands as one of the country's foremost nonprofit environmental organizations allied with scientific research and policymaking. These skills in environmental communication and campaign strategies are sharpened by students as they work alongside the National Ocean Conservancy in advocacy on a national level.
5. National Wildlife Federation Eco-Schools USA
Location: United States (school-based program)
Program Dates: Academic year participation
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in participating schools
Application Deadline: Rolling, schools apply annually
Another sustainability program that would fit in well with high school students interested in school-based environmental projects and greener initiatives includes energy conservation, waste reduction, and habitat restoration at the school site. Provides schools resources and certification for eco-friendly practices in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation. Participants gain hands-on experience with project management, environmental literacy, and implementation of measurable sustainability improvements in their schools.
6. Greenpeace Youth Program
Location: Global (local chapters and virtual)
Program Dates: Ongoing with campaign cycles
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students aged 13+
Application Deadline: None (join anytime)
This program is for youth interested in large-scale international environmental campaigns with direct action. Youth members carry out awareness campaigns, letter writing, and digital activism on issues such as deforestation, climate change, and ocean protection. Greenpeace is a vast organization of powerful environmental advocacy. Students learn campaign development, media relations, and grassroots organizing skills.
7. The Nature Conservancy Youth Leadership Program
Location: United States (various local chapters)
Program Dates: Year-round with summer sessions
Cost: Free or nominal fee depending on chapter
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18
Application Deadline: Varies by chapter, typically spring
This conservation leadership program is good for high school students interested in land and water conservation efforts. Participants get involved in habitat restoration, citizen science, and public education projects. The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental organization possessing world expertise in science and policy. Students get trained in ecological monitoring, public outreach, and leadership skills that are contributed to local conservation programs.
8. Clean Air Campaign Youth Ambassador Program
Location: United States (select cities)
Program Dates: Fall and spring semesters
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18
Application Deadline: August 15 annually
This air quality activism program is good for high school students interested in environmental health and policy. Youth ambassadors conduct air pollution education in their communities, organize events, and lobby for clean air policies. The Clean Air Campaign works with public health agencies and local government authorities. Students gain experience in public speaking, air quality data collection, and policy advocacy.
9. Project Learning Tree GreenSchools Program
Location: United States and Canada
Program Dates: Academic year
Cost: Free or low cost depending on school participation
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in participating schools
Application Deadline: Rolling
This sustainability education program is good for high school students interested in environmental science and school improvement projects. Students evaluate energy consumption, waste in the school, and water conservation, then formulate an action plan for schools. Project Learning Tree is an affiliate of the American Forest Foundation providing curriculum resources. They learn skills on environmental audit, teamwork, and project implementation.
10. Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN)
Location: Virtual and international meetings
Program Dates: Ongoing with annual conferences
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school and university students worldwide
Application Deadline: Varies by event
This network is excellent for high school students interested in international environmental policy and biodiversity conservation. Its members attend the UN biodiversity conferences, policy discussions, and awareness campaigns. GYBN cooperates with international environmental bodies and governments. Students garner experience in international-level advocacy, policy analysis, and cross-cultural communication.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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