What is EcoRise?
EcoRise is all about mobilizing a new generation of leaders who are passionate about designing healthy, just, and thriving communities for everyone. It operates right at the crossroads of sustainability education, climate resilience, and environmental justice. The unique thing? It lifts up youth voices and pushes forward student-led solutions to real-world challenges. EcoRise offers a variety of curricula and programs tailored for students, teachers, school districts, and partners. These are crafted to boost environmental literacy, promote sustainable schools, and ensure equitable access to green career pathways.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Since its start, EcoRise has made some seriously impressive strides. Here are some standout facts that show just how impactful this initiative has been:
- Over 17 years of experience working with education programs serving youth.
- Started in one public high school in Austin, Texas, with a mission to inspire a new generation of leaders.
- Since 2015, EcoRise student projects have diverted over 1 million pounds of waste from the landfill!
- During the 2023–2024 school year, $80,099 in microgrants were awarded to 125 student projects.
- EcoRise serves teachers and students across all 50 U.S. states and in 39 other countries.
- In the 2023–2024 school year alone, it reached 3,107 teachers, 1,640 schools, and 173,992 students.
Empowering Youth Through Education
At its core, EcoRise believes education is the bedrock of social and environmental change. It’s not just about textbooks and lectures; it’s about hands-on learning that sparks real innovation. Students dive into environmental literacy, social innovation, and design skills that they can apply to solve pressing issues. The idea? Youth aren’t just the future—they’re the powerful change-makers of today, equipped to design a sustainable world.
Expanding Reach and Impact
From a single high school in Austin to a global presence, EcoRise has grown tremendously. Its programs now touch communities across the entire United States and nearly 40 countries worldwide. This broad reach means that the message of sustainability and justice is spreading far and wide, inspiring students and educators everywhere to take action and lead change.
Supporting Schools and Teachers
EcoRise doesn’t just focus on students—it also supports teachers and school districts with resources and programs designed to integrate sustainability into education. This holistic approach ensures that schools become hubs for environmental literacy and innovation, creating sustainable learning environments that benefit entire communities.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 4: Quality Education – promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – fostering resilient and sustainable urban environments.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – encouraging waste reduction and sustainable practices.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – empowering youth to take meaningful steps against climate change.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – supporting conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
Looking Ahead: The Future of EcoRise
With a solid foundation and a growing network, EcoRise is poised to keep inspiring youth and educators alike. The journey to a sustainable future is ongoing, and EcoRise continues to be a catalyst for change—fueling creativity, leadership, and action in communities everywhere. It’s clear that when young people are empowered with knowledge and resources, they can truly transform the world around them.
