Preparing Houston’s next generation of environmental leaders.

What is the Environmental Youth Council?

  • Science-Based Curricula & Leadership Training

    Hands-on lessons about air pollution, climate change, environmental justice, health and local government are paired with leadership and civics training to introduce students to important issues and develop problem-solving skills to address them.

  • Student-Led Community Events

    Students coordinate their own local community events to improve health and address environmental challenges. Events may include CPR training, neighborhood cleanups, and voter registration drives. Our students acquire the necessary skills to organize in their communities to make a difference.

  • Twice Monthly After School Meetings

    Students meet after school completing hands-on activities, having group discussions, and competing in various competitions for prizes. Additional group activities are also held, including a virtual cooking class and documentary screening.

  • Annual Capstone Trip

    Top students in the program have the opportunity to participate in an end-of-year capstone trip. Previous destinations have included Washington, D.C. and camping in Big Bend National Park.

  • Local Field Trips

    Student field trips to local museums, government meetings, industry hubs, and community organizations put students directly in touch with the resources for change in their region.

  • Guest Speakers

    Experts from local government, nonprofit organizations, and established research institutions share their firsthand knowledge to show students what the work for clean air and a healthy, sustainable city looks like. Guest speakers have included staff from the City of Houston, Harris County Health Department, UT School of Public Health, and Rice University.

Join our video contest

Houston’s hot. And when it’s not it’s underwater. It smells. There’s too much plastic. Too many cars. Not enough parks. The whole city is filled with factories billowing who knows what into the air. It’s making people sick. It’s stealing lives. 

Let’s say you’re in charge for a change. How are we going to make sure our climate stops trying to kill us with hotter heat waves and heavier hurricanes? How can you use your voice to shape our future? Everyone’s listening. What’s it going to take?

Show us.

Prizes include:

  • 1st Place: $2,500

  • 2nd Place: $1,500

  • 3rd Place: $500

The contest is sponsored by Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). Judges from the organization will review your submissions and select winners. Winners will also be featured in a local film festival, become part of EDF’s YouTube channel, and will be featured at an exhibit at the Health Museum in Houston.

Testimonials

  • “I have everything I need to advocate for people in my community.”

  • “As a teacher, it was an amazing experience using the Environmental Youth Council's curriculum. My students have a new view on sustainability."

  • “I love how the toolkits were hands on and interactive. It was so fun collaborating with new friends and working on meaningful sustainability projects.”

  • “The video competition was such a creative and fun way to make a difference.”

Contact us

For more information about the Environmental Youth Council, please contact us. We love hearing from you!