Press Release: 15 High School Students Selected to Champion Environmental Issues in Their Communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

eeBLUE Young Changemakers Fellowship uplifts youth leaders from the U.S., U.S. territories, and tribal nations with support from NAAEE and mentorship from NOAA

[Washington, D.C., August 6, 2024] — In July, the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) welcomed fifteen high school student leaders to Washington, D.C., to kick off the 2024–2025 eeBLUE Young Changemakers Fellowship (YCF). The YCF program is dedicated to collaborating with and empowering the next generation of ocean and environmental leaders. 

Selected from over 600 interested high school students, these young leaders hailed from 13 states and U.S. territories, including American Samoa, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Texas, Oklahoma, Virginia, North Carolina, New York, California, and Connecticut. They spent the week meeting with government officials and national leaders, participating in hands-on workshops, and getting to know the cohort members. As a team of 15, they represent a diversity of geographies, experiences, areas of focus, and skills, all of them important to the work of NOAA and NAAEE, and in helping to address the global challenges we face today. 

Through the YCF, now in its second year, the students will continue to build skills around creating change in their home communities, culminating in a self-designed action project. In addition to taking local action, the changemakers learn about and provide NOAA leadership with their perspective on critical issues such as the climate crisis, ocean issues, environmental justice, and more. YCF supports the goals of the broader eeBLUE partnership, an agreement between the NAAEE and NOAA's Office of Education that aims to increase environmental and scientific literacy to build more resilient communities nationwide.

“All of you are already leaders, and this program will help you build those leadership skills. It will help you make connections and help you understand different paths you can take in your careers. You’re all going to go off in different directions, but you’re going to remember this fellowship for the rest of your lives,” Judy Braus, executive director of NAAEE, told the fellows at the kick-off event in Washington, D.C.

“The eeBLUE Young Changemakers summit brought so much joy into my life despite our time together only lasting 3 days. At home, I don’t have any friends who share my passion for youth advocacy, sustainability, and environmental justice. The eeBLUE Young Changemakers Fellowship helped me connect with peers who share these passions. I met my people,” said one of the participating students.

Congratulations to the second class of eeBLUE Young Changemakers. Stay tuned for updates about the Fellows and their efforts this year. 

Learn more about the eeBLUE Young Changemakers Fellowship at https://naaee.org/programs/eeblue/YCF (NAAEE) and https://www.noaa.gov/young-changemakers-fellowship/about-program (NOAA).

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eeBLUE Young Changemakers

The eeBLUE Young Changemakers Fellowship (YCF) is a year-long opportunity for high school students across the United States, U.S. territories, and tribal nations to make a difference for the ocean and environment. With mentorship from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and support from the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), participating students design and carry out an action project to address an ocean or environmental issue in their home community and share their perspectives with NOAA on important ocean and environmental issues. Project topics range from tackling microplastics and the pitfalls of fast fashion to promoting environmental education and climate justice.

eeBLUE

Dive into eeBLUE, a dynamic partnership between the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This five-year, $7 million initiative aims to bridge STEM education and environmental literacy, empower communities to tackle climate challenges, reach new audiences, and cultivate environmental problem-solvers. Aligned with U.S. Department of Education goals, eeBLUE offers cutting-edge STEM programs, robust educator networks, and innovative outreach strategies through grants, fellowships, and networks. The partnership is creating a ripple effect throughout communities by connecting schools, nonformal institutions, universities, and others to foster a more sustainable, informed, and resilient society. To learn more and follow our partners’ eeBLUE journey, please visit our webpage and follow NAAEE on Facebook and Instagram @TheNAAEE.

About NAAEE

For 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 the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as globally, to advance environmental literacy and civic engagement to create a more equitable and sustainable future. For more information on NAAEE, visit https://naaee.org.

About NOAA

Climate, weather, and water affect all life on our ocean planet. NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict our changing environment, from the deep sea to outer space, and to manage and conserve America’s coastal and marine resources. NOAA’s Office of Education provides opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to learn about the world around them. The Office of Education offers scholarships and grants to inspire students and the public, helps educators incorporate NOAA resources into their teaching, and builds enduring relationships with partners, including aquariums, museums, universities, and other organizations. Learn more about NOAA’s Office of Education: https://www.noaa.gov/office-education.