Environmental justice links social equity to environmental sustainability, making sure that everyone has access to clean air, water, and land. There are a number of programs that offer entry-level training and mentorship opportunities, experiential learning, etc., to help enter the environmental justice movement. By connecting these young advocates with opportunities, we can break down systemic embedded environmental problems, connect them with like-minded peers, and influence policies that are impacting climate change and environmental justice.
Below are ten programs and platforms that high school students can participate in to enhance their environmental justice and advocacy initiatives.
1. EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council
The EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council is for devoted students, who are between the ages of 15-22, and wish to develop sustainable solutions. Members contribute to EarthEcho's youth initiatives and campaigns while increasing the momentum of environmental action through digital advocacy and community engagement. Participants will also gain valuable leadership experience, collaborate with peers from around the world, and explore nonprofit strategies and policy formation, all while making an authentic impact on the environment. This is a great opportunity for young changemakers working fully towards justice and sustainability as we collectively navigate the intersection of science and equity.
2. Sunrise Movement Youth Organizing Program
The Sunrise Movement provides training for young people to take action against climate change and injustice. High school students can join local hubs, participate in online bootcamps, and learn about grassroots organizing, storytelling, and policy advocacy. Their program focuses on the Green New Deal and systemic injustices that affect marginalized communities. Students will become effective spokespeople for climate justice while learning how to organize others and influence environmental justice policies on both the local and national level through campaigns, strikes, and youth-led actions.
3. Roots & Shoots by Jane Goodall Institute
Roots & Shoots is a program that inspires youth to recognize and tackle problems in their community while taking positive, real action for people, animals, and the environment. It supports students by providing toolkits and resources for implementing action initiatives. Some examples could be planting a school garden, or protesting against an act of environmental injustice. Roots & Shoots especially wants to reach out to young activists who want to engage in an action project, even if their first projects are small - it's okay to dream big. With Roots & Shoots, students realize they are compassionate leaders and can lead the way as they tackle issues and thinking about and taking action for environmental processes, by making thoughtful decisions when engaging with their local environment.
4. Brower Youth Awards
The Brower Youth Awards recognizes and honours environmental leaders between the ages of 13–22, in North America, who have made exceptional contributions towards environmental justice. Winners receive a $3,000 cash prize, a week of leadership training, and a platform for them to tell their story. Most projects selected for the Brower Youth Awards address issues of environmental racism, conservation, clean energy, and community education. The awards honor youth who are making measurable impacts in their communities, and not only provide them with recognition but tools to broaden their initiatives. This honor is an impactful and prestigious, motivating platform for high school students who have started or are leading efforts around environmental advocacy!
5. The Climate Initiative (TCI)
The Climate Initiative offers educational material, resources and ambassador training for students interested in addressing climate issues within their communities. Their program for Youth Climate Leadership provides support for high school students who wish to impact change in public policy, engage in climate science projects, create local community events and initiatives etc. TCI is built on the foundation of youth empowerment and focused on bridging the science-to-policy gap. Students are taught how climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable sectors and how they can advocate for systemic change that is just and equitable for all.
6. Youth Environmental Leadership Program (YELP)
SanDiego350's YELP trains students to be environmental leaders through skill-building workshops, practice for public speaking, and a collaborative project. Education on climate literacy and the justice, equity, and community organizing framework which runs through the project is more than skin deep. Students do work at public protests, meet with policymakers, and work on outreach campaigns. YELP emphasizes the relationship between social justice and environmental sustainability, so students who want to be informed advocates, who care about equity and agency in their mission for a healthier planet, will benefit from the program.
7. Fridays for Future – Youth Climate Strikes
Fridays for Future is a global initiative started by Greta Thunberg which allows students to lead school strikes and climate protests. Students in secondary or high school can join existing chapters or create some of their own to demand immediate political action to address climate change. Fridays for Future is inherently aware of environmental injustice and emphasizes the value of intergenerational conversations focused on accountability around climate issues. Students experience a real-life effect when engaging in civil activism, communicating their demands and coordinating conversations with others, while also stepping up and supporting their communities that are the most affected and vulnerable to climate change. Fridays for Future is grassroots, global and student-driven, making it an exceptional initiative for bold, passionate environmentalists!
8. Youth Environmental Education Program (YEPS)
Green America created the Youth Empowerment for Sustainability program, or YEPS, to support youth as they undertake curriculum-based environmental education where green economy, sustainable consumption and ecological justice take place. Students can be involved in campaigns, set up events, or act as a base for organizing in the community. The program not only builds leadership skills but creates an opportunity for youth to examine their role and responsibility in systemic injustice and environmental catastrophe. Through experiential education, and peer mentorship; high school students are ready to emerge as ethical, informed leaders that can engage in the sustainability movement and have their voice heard.
9. Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE)
ACE weaves together digital storytelling, political education and climate science to inform and mobilize youth across the country. Their fellowship program propels high school students to organize as peer educators and advocates in policy-change. Fellows engage in training for public speaking, community organizing, and civic engagement—all linked or based in climate justice. ACE centers the voices of young people from underrepresented communities and acknowledges that climate change does not impact all communities equitably. It is a collaborative space for students who seek to take bold, visible action to change our society for a more just and equitable world.
10. Sierra Student Coalition (SSC)
The Sierra Student Coalition, an aspect of the Sierra Club, is a student-run network focused on environmental justice, clean energy, and political organizing at the grassroots level. It has a variety of leadership training programs, including the Summer Grassroots Training Program (SPROG), where students learn skills related to campaign strategy, movement building, and intersectional activism. The SSC is open to young people from all backgrounds with a focus on working with communities, not only to fight for equity, but to build systemic change as well. Students in high school looking for a long-term activist path rooted in equity will find a vibrant community and mentorship through SSC.
These opportunities help students move beyond the classroom and take charge of advocacy and activism for the environment that have real-world implications. Whether it be organizing through grassroots approaches, statewide educational outreach, or advocating on policy issues, every program promotes equity, sustainability, and youth-led advocacy. As the climate crisis grows, students aren't the future; they are a force in the present to create solutions. With enough support, training, and spaces to act, students can advocate for justice and create lasting change in their communities and larger society. There is no time to waste.
FAQs
Q. Do I have to have prior experience to participate in these programs?
A. No. Most programs accept novices and provide the needed training and resources and guidance to help prospective students grow into effective leaders.
Q. Are these opportunities free to join?
A. Yes, many are free and some may offer scholarships. Some programs may even offer stipends or prizes for impactful projects.
Q. Can international students participate?
A. Most of these programs are based in the U.S., however, some (Fridays for Future and Roots & Shoots) are global and do accept international participants.
Q. Will these be helpful in my college application?
Definitely. These programs demonstrate leadership, initiative, and dedication to sustainability, all of which colleges are looking for.
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 Research 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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