Core Programs
Sustainable
Intelligence
Program
Our flagship program includes access to K–12 curricula, a year of professional development, one-on-one support from EcoRise Staff, connections to partners, and access to student grants.
Green
Building
Academy
Leading the way in sustainability education and green job opportunities for high schoolers, this program equips underrepresented youth to flourish as eco-literate citizens in work and in life.
Youth
Climate
Councils
High school students lead place-based environmental initiatives, partnering with local leaders to advance climate resilience through immersive learning and hands-on projects.
Green
Career
Internships
High school students are immersed in paid, hands-on work experiences and professional learning that prepare them to lead in the green economy and advance resilience in their communities.
Climate
Education
Teacher Courses
Cohort-based teacher professional development courses that equip educators with confidence, skills, and resources to incorporate climate change and related topics into their curriculum.
Teacher
Ambassador
Program
Recognized as leaders in sustainability education, EcoRise Teacher Ambassadors are experienced educators with a commitment to the EcoRise mission, core values, and student outcomes.
EcoRise Curriculum
Sustainable
Intelligence
Builds sustainability knowledge across seven different eco-themes including water, waste, food, energy, air, public spaces, and transportation
Biomimicry
& Science
Challenges chemistry, physics, and biology students to look more deeply at “nature as mentor” in order to solve sustainability challenges
Business of
Social Good
Introduces principles of social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and design thinking and challenges students to develop a business idea
Green Building Lessons for a Sustainable Future
Project-based lesson plans explore the built and natural environment and give students the tools to become LEED credentialed
Introduction to Environmental Justice
Foundational lessons for elementary, middle, and high school students to explore environmental justice history and concepts
Design
Studio
Guides students to develop and implement creative solutions to pressing problems by using EcoRise’s design-thinking process
Special Initiatives
School as a Teaching Tool
With the goal of creating a culture of sustainability in a school community, EcoRise serves as the bridge between the architects of green schools — designers, builders, municipalities, and districts — and the students, educators, and staff who will occupy them.
Learn MoreGen:Thrive
Gen:Thrive is a collaborative initiative to accelerate sustainability and environmental education programs in K–12 schools. Through a robust community mapping process, we aim to provide the information and insights needed to foster the next generation of resilient sustainability leaders.
Learn MoreCity Partnerships
EcoRise’s eco-literacy programs go hand-in-hand with climate resiliency and mitigation. We partner with municipalities on climate or sustainability initiatives so teachers and students can become active participants in greening their city and effecting change in their communities.
Learn More”The advocacy of the Council members has driven meaningful progress—from advancing renewable energy initiatives to engaging new and diverse communities in climate resilience. I hope our work serves as a bright example to other cities that when we prioritize youth voices, we create a healthier future for all.
Ron NirenbergMayor, San Antonio, Texas
We also offer training programs to help teachers unlock student innovation
PBL Academy
This Academy trains and supports teachers in transforming passive learning into active participation using the Problem-Based Learning pedagogy, linking multidisciplinary programs with sustainability education.
Professional Development Training
We provide year-round, face-to-face and/or online professional development for teachers, which introduces the curriculum, the Eco-Audit Grant process, and instructional best practices rooted in design thinking and project-based learning.
