Our Youth want Climate Action Now!
Youth Leadership
Young people have a critical role to play in climate solutions. And as the next generation to inherit responsibility of protecting our planet, educating our youth remains one of the most effective ways to reduce climate impacts.
C3’s Youth Leadership Campaign seeks to galvanize and support the next generation of climate leaders while building trust with youth and their families to diversify and grow the climate movement. In doing so, C3 enables those most likely to be impacted by climate change to have a meaningful role in the creation of solutions.
Green Teen Alliance
C3's newly formed Green Teen Alliance creates community among students so that they can identify their collective agency and feel empowered as the next generation of climate leaders. The GTA has monthly meetings for teenagers who care about climate action, advocacy, and leadership to connect and share solutions (check out our Event page). See their latest newsletter here
Teacher Mia Shand with Agnor Hurt 5th Graders and their kits
Climate Activity Kits
C3's Climate Activity Kits bring climate learning to the classroom with hands-on learning activities to teach kids about climate impacts and energy use while building relationships with local schools. The kit (for both English and Spanish-speaking students) contains a plant-your-own garden kit, an energy scavenger hunt, a grown-up guide with information on local rebates and energy efficiency resources, and a solar-powered night light. This is a collaboration between Albemarle and Charlottesville City public schools, Virginia Discovery Museum, and local government.
Green Schools Network
C3 works with local schools, both public and independent, to empower educators, administrators, and parents to make a positive impact. This group meets throughout the year to harness the power of educators to support school-wide initiatives through information sharing and resources.
Climate Justice Summer Program
C3's Climate Justice Summer Program works to build trust and relationships with underserved youth and their families to diversify and grow the climate movement. Last year we partnered with the Piedmont Housing Alliance (PHA) for a 3-week program to study Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI), climate issues, and create a public service announcement (PSA) with the help of our Light House Studio partners.
Teen Internships
C3 hosts interns from local schools each semester to give them experience with different areas of working at a climate nonprofit. The teens get to learn about grants, policy, marketing, and energy audits and learn other meaningful skills through the program. Check out jobs page for our next internship opportunity.
Who to contact
Susan Kruse, team lead for Youth Leadership campaign
Sarah Delgado, team member
Coles Jennings, team member
Teri Strother, team member
Check out our blogs
Helpful Resources for Teachers and Students
Classroom Challenge Guide
C3 Created this booklet with 18 actions and 50+ curated resources for parents, teachers, clubs, homeschoolers, and administrators K-12th grade. Click image to download.