EcoRise Year-End Update: Resilience in Climate Education Programs

Dear EcoRise community,

My name is Monique Hennington, and I serve as the 2025 EcoRise Board Development Chair. As I reflect on this year, I am filled with gratitude and purpose. This year has shown me what is possible when students are trusted to lead, when educators are supported with leading-edge resources, and when communities come together to invest in youth.

One of the most memorable moments of the year was my trip to Washington, DC, where I attended the EcoRise Student Innovation Showcase. I witnessed students from all grades present thoughtful, creative, and community-focused sustainability projects. The energy in that room was powerful. EcoRise programs helped young people root into resilience, imagine ways to improve their communities, and bring their ideas to life. Their passion reminded me why this work matters so deeply.

I also had the joy of spending time with students during the Austin Student Innovation Showcase at City Hall. Their curiosity, confidence, and pride were contagious. The photos included in this letter reflect moments of joy and possibility: young leaders standing proudly beside their work and a community celebrating their leadership and achievements. Each of these moments illustrates what happens when students are given space to take action and when teachers have the resources to guide them. Resilience grows, momentum builds, and whole communities benefit.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’ve raised $9,519 since the start of our Rooted in Resilience campaign. Whether you gave on Giving Tuesday, donated earlier in the fall, or have been spreading the word, we’re deeply grateful. Your support is strengthening classrooms and communities across the country.

If you haven’t had a chance to give yet, there’s still time to double your impact. Through January 8th, all gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000 thanks to the EcoRise Impact Circle. Your contribution supports student-led projects, classroom innovation, teacher professional development, and youth leadership.

Looking ahead, new federal tax rules taking effect in 2026 will shift how charitable deductions work for many taxpayers. Some donors may choose to complete their giving before the end of 2025, while others may wait until the new rules begin. With our campaign running through January 8th, you have time to consider what’s best for you—knowing your gift will be matched either way. (Please consult your tax advisor to understand how these changes may affect you.)

If EcoRise’s mission resonates with you, we invite you to make a gift before January 8th. Your generosity helps resilience take root in classrooms nationwide and supports the future these young leaders are already working toward.