As environmental challenges affect communities across the country, supporting youth with knowledge, skills, and resources to engage in environmental problem-solving is more important than ever. EcoRise’s Youth Climate Councils are city-level leadership programs developed in partnership with local governments and community organizations, providing high school students with hands-on experiences focused on environmental resilience and community improvement.
In collaboration with municipal leaders, community-based organizations, universities, and local partners, students explore local sustainability and resilience plans, connect with professionals working in environmental fields, and develop practical solutions that support healthy communities. Through real-world projects and partnerships, students build leadership skills while contributing to initiatives that strengthen their neighborhoods and prepare them for future environmental careers.
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.
Meet the Austin Council
Meet the San Antonio Council
”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 Nirenberg, Former San Antonio Mayor
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 a range of topics, including food insecurity, urban biodiversity, renewable energy awareness, heat islands, public transit campaigns, improvements to the built environment, and emergency preparedness. Members have opportunities to share work with the local community 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:
”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.
San Antonio 24–25 Council Member
Program Partners
