The Howard County Conservancy’s Youth Climate Institute (YCI) is proud to share that they have received support from the National Geographic Society to engage students in the National Geographic Slingshot Challenge through YCI programming.
YCI is a high school program that combines climate education and action to prepare students to become effective environmental stewards, pursue green jobs and combat the climate crisis. YCI began in 2020 and has now worked with more than 1,000 students and has 55 active chapters in 11 states.
“Support from the National Geographic Society will have a tremendous impact on our ability to lift up young climate leaders,” said Meg Boyd, YCI Executive Director. “Not only will it support student action projects, but it will also help us continue our nationwide growth and reach more communities across the country.”
The Slingshot Challenge, launched in 2022, is a global challenge that encourages young people ages 13–18 to submit innovative ideas to inspire a more sustainable future within their communities. To date, the Slingshot Challenge has involved over 56,000 youth and 9,500 educators worldwide in climate action.
This support will allow YCI to engage more students and teachers in environmental education and action by increasing participation in both the Slingshot Challenge and Youth Climate Institute.
“Starting a Youth Climate Institute Chapter at our school this year has empowered environmentally passionate students to learn, collaborate, and take meaningful action,” said Kristina Coots, Chapter Leader at Sparrows Point High School in Baltimore County, Maryland. “It has fostered a community of young leaders who are committed to creating a lasting, positive impact on our planet.”
YCI will provide funds to new chapters to support action projects in their communities with this support! For information on starting or joining a chapter of the Youth Climate Institute in your area contact info@youthclimateleader.org or go to https://youthclimateleader.org/for-chapters/
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About The National Geographic Slingshot Challenge
The Slingshot Challenge is an innovative youth challenge that is the result of a partnership between the National Geographic Society (NGS) and Allen Family Philanthropies (AFP). The challenge aims to identify and support the next generation of problem-solvers, advocates, and stewards of the planet. Designed for young people ages 13–18, the challenge serves as a platform to motivate participants to create a one-minute video sharing their solutions to an environmental issue within their community.
About The National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content.
To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
About the Youth Climate Institute
The Youth Climate Institute (YCI) empowers and educates the next generation of climate leaders about climate science, environmental justice, and real world solutions. It’s an extracurricular certification program that combines environmental education and hands-on community action to give students the tools to become effective stewards of their local environment and pursue green careers. Learn more about YCI at https://youthclimateleader.org/
YCI is a program of the Howard County Conservancy, a 35-year old environmental education center and nature preserve, which connects more than 20,000 people to nature each year. The mission of the Howard County Conservancy is to educate children and adults about our natural world, preserve the land and its legacy for future generations and model responsible stewardship of our environment. Learn more about the Conservancy at https://www.howardnature.org/
For media inquiries, please contact Gabby Rose at gabby.rose@howardnature.org.
