As the impacts of climate change become more apparent and widespread, the need to support youth with knowledge, skills, and resources to grow into intersectional environmental leaders is more critical than ever. EcoRise’s Youth Climate Councils empower high school students to lead at the intersection of climate change, environmental justice, and community resilience. Over a school-year term, members gain hands-on experience with strategies that improve community health, well-being, and climate preparedness. They explore local climate plans, connect with community leaders, and develop intersectional solutions linking environmental action to equity and justice. Through real-world projects and collaboration with local partners, students turn ideas into lasting change in their neighborhoods.
Follow their work on Instagram, @EcoRise_Youth!
Building Resilient Communities Through Youth Leadership
Since 2020,
284
Council Members
218
Events Hosted
During the 24–25 Council session, 100% of members felt that they grew professionally during their time on the Council.
”As a result of EcoRise, I am constantly involving myself in other opportunities to combat climate change and help my community. Through EcoRise I’ve gotten to experience so many opportunities where I can be involved and do the work for my community’s health and future, that I would’ve never heard of before the Council
Austin 24–25 Council Member
Place-Based Learning and Action
Council members engage in advocacy, support community resilience initiatives, and explore green career pathways as they learn from city officials, community leaders, and sustainability experts. Members apply their learning in tangible, locally grounded way, whether supporting the work of frontline organizations or launching their own community-based initiatives. Past efforts have addressed topics like food insecurity, urban biodiversity, renewable energy awareness, and emergency preparedness. Members have opportunities to share their work with their communities at EcoRise Showcases, conferences, and community speaking engagements.
In 2024, Council members reflected on the weight that climate resilience work bears on younger generations and called on adults to collaborate and engage in the work.
Community Engagement
The Council is grounded in collaboration with the communities they call home and the local organizations that serve them. Aside from learning from the people leading community resilience work on the ground, Council members often design their community advocacy projects to support the efforts of frontline organizations. Past Council members have supported research on pedestrian safety and community health, organized donation drives, constructed free food pantries, led letter writing campaigns to city councils, and more.
Explore past Councils’ projects here.
What participants have to say:
”The most important thing I learned is that small, local actions can have a powerful impact. Through hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving, I discovered how issues like waste reduction, energy efficiency, and water conservation are connected to larger environmental challenges like climate change. Now, I’m more motivated to be part of long-term change.
San Antonio 24–25 Council Member
Program Partners
