We work at the intersection of environmental education, youth leadership, and workforce development to elevate youth voices and advance student-led solutions to real-world challenges. We offer a range of curricula and programs for students, teachers, school districts, and partners, designed to advance environmental literacy, sustainable schools, and access to green career pathways.
Founded in Austin, Texas, in 2008 as UpLift Austin, EcoRise was created by social entrepreneur Gina LaMotte and youth leadership expert Kizzy Hannibal Xolani. Inspired by their own experiences in education and global exploration of innovative systems, they set out to unlock the power of young people as design and sustainability leaders. What began in a single public high school has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit serving more than 13,000 educators and activating over 700,000 students. In 2025, the organization surpassed more than half a million dollars in grants directed to youth-led innovation projects.
Our Vision
At EcoRise, we recognize that this moment requires more than curriculum. It demands a collaborative approach that breaks down barriers, strengthens partnerships, and drives systems change. Our strategies lift up local voices, amplify underrepresented narratives, and build pathways that connect environmental literacy to real-world impact.
Learn more about our Vision 2025 here.
Our Approach
Transformative, Community-Based Environmental Education Programs
We’re deepening our presence in key regions, directing resources to under-resourced communities, and creating pathways for youth to lead green workforce development rooted in community resilience.
Expanding Educational Programs
We’re formalizing partnerships with allied organizations, leveraging data-driven tools like Gen:Thrive to build capacity across the movement, and ensuring our resources reach educators and students nationwide.
A Thriving, Responsive, and Resilient Organization
We’re cultivating a culture where staff feel valued and energized, where data informs our decisions, and where our board and partners actively shape our strategy and sustainability.
Our Values
PEOPLE
Meet the team that makes it happen – our dedicated staff, board of directors, and advisory council.
Meet Our Team
PARTNERS
Meet the public and private sector partners that significantly amplify our sustainability impact.
Meet Our Partners
We serve teachers and students in communities across all 50 U.S. states. Since 2015, we've served:
13,315
Teachers
4,290
Schools
785,585
Students
Learn More About Our Impact
”EcoRise has not only allowed me to become a better teacher, but it has allowed my students to become better learners. The curriculum has brought excitement back into the classroom for so many of my students and it brings out leaders that I never had before!
Allison BeardenOakcrest Intermediate School, Tomball, Texas
