Press Release: 41 Education Leaders Named to Champion Environmental and Civic Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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New CEE-Change Fellows from 28 regions will tackle local environmental and civic challenges through community-driven solutions

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 3, 2025) — The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) announces 41 new CEE-Change Fellows who will lead environmental education and civic engagement projects over the next year. The program includes two cohorts: 30 U.S.-based Fellows representing 19 states and 11 international Fellows from nine countries spanning four continents.

Addressing Local Challenges with Global Impact

The CEE-Change Fellowship cohort based in the United States is supported by generous grants from the Cedar Tree Foundation and the Sam and Mary Lawrence Foundation, both committed to fostering environmental stewardship and community leadership. Each Fellow will develop and implement a Community Action Project that seeks to advance a more equitable and sustainable future. Projects vary greatly depending on community needs. From teaching students how to monitor local watersheds for community health in Massachusetts to slowing coastal erosion with native plants in Hawai’i to helping communities adopt lead safety practices in Alabama, these educators and community leaders represent schools, nonprofits, city governments, research institutions, and more, united by a common mission: using education to create more resilient, equitable communities.

The international CEE-Change Fellowship cohort, which is supported by the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), will meet virtually to build skills and develop their Community Action Plans. Fellows in this cohort represent the Bahamas, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Jamaica, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, and Uganda, reflecting the global scope of environmental challenges and solutions. Projects include empowering youth in India to champion local biodiversity by creating eco-resource centers in their villages, engaging students in STEAM activities to transform waste into beneficial products in Jamaica, and teaching students how to engage with local governments to affect climate policies in Nigeria.

"The dedication of these Fellows shows us what's possible when we unite around common goals," says Judy Braus, NAAEE's executive director. "Their ingenuity, creativity, and passion will inspire positive change in communities around the world."

Proven Track Record of Impact

The Fellowship uniquely bridges Civics and Environmental Education (CEE), recognizing that sustainable solutions require both environmental knowledge and civic engagement skills. This integrated approach has proven essential for creating lasting community change. Previous CEE-Change cohorts have already demonstrated significant reach, with 60 Fellows reaching more than 34,000 people through targeted Community Action Projects. This year's Fellows will build on this momentum and they are just getting started.

Aneesa Jamal from the 2023 CEE-Change cohort shares, “The CEE-Change Fellowship was one of the most transformative experiences in my life. Through NAAEE networks my Young Climate Authors program was amplified globally. I connected with professionals and researchers at two NAAEE conferences, which opened doors to other opportunities. I forged personal relationships with the NAAEE team and other CEE-Change Fellows, whose empathy, encouragement and support kept me going.”

Comprehensive Support for Lasting Change

Through June 30, 2026, Fellows will receive:

• Professional development and leadership training
• Scholarships to the 2025 virtual NAAEE Conference
• Expanded professional networks and ongoing support
• Technical assistance and online training resources

Learn More: Follow the Fellows' journey and Community Action Projects at naaee.org/programs/cee-change-fellowship

Connect: Find NAAEE on social media @TheNAAEE (Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky) and LinkedIn

List of CEE-Change Fellows (United States)

Adam Wicks-Arshack, Washington; Alex Webb, Massachusetts; Asenette Ruiz, Texas; Cameron McKenzie, New Jersey; Candace Jones, Florida; Christine Li, North Carolina; Christopher Davis, California; Darien K N Manning, Pennsylvania; David Riera, Florida; Denby Freeland, Hawaii; Fran Agnone, New York; Gustavo Requena Santos, Vermont; Jaclyn Stallard, Hawaiʻi; Jeftey Saint Fleur, Florida; Jennifer Embree, New York; Joel Donelan, Alabama; Jose Helio de Souza, Missouri; Kgosietsile Velempini, North Carolina; Lalitha Murali, Wisconsin; Madeline Halvey, Florida; Molina Walters, Arizona; Monica L. Miles, New York; Morgan Buchanan, Maryland; Rachel L. Stronach, Massachusetts; Sagan Goodpaster, Kentucky; Sarah W. Davis, Florida; Shaul Gayle, Alabama; Teresa Cole, Virginia; Tiffany Stone Wolbrecht, Ohio; Zahra Golshani, New Jersey

About NAAEE

For more than five decades, the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) has served as the professional association, champion, and backbone organization for the field of environmental education (EE), working with EE professionals across United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as globally, to advance environmental literacy and civic engagement to create a more just and sustainable future. For more information on NAAEE, visit https://naaee.org.