Every year, during Fall and Spring, we invite high school students to join our writer program, where they have an opportunity to research, learn, and educate their peers on issues relating to climate and sustainability.
This invaluable opportunity also allows them to explore and learn about the latest developments and thinking in the field, which may shape their future careers. Does this sound like a challenge you are up to? First, let's answer some questions that you might have.
We work with high school students in grades 9 through 12, typically ages 15–18, who are curious about the world and eager to make a meaningful impact. Our youth journalism program is designed for students who want to strengthen their writing while exploring some of the most important issues of our time -- climate change, sustainability, environmental justice, and innovation.
We run two sessions each year, in the Fall and Spring.
- The Fall Session begins after Labor Day weekend and runs through mid-January.
- The Spring session runs from mid-January through the end of May.
We require a minimum commitment of one session, during which selected writers will research and write articles for publication on our platform. The time commitment is typically 3-4 hours every other week.
Many of our writers choose to return beyond one session because they are constantly learning and deepening their understanding of issues shaping our world, as well as the role they might want to play in building a sustainable future. We give priority to returning writers.
Strong foundational writing skills are essential. Students should be able to communicate clearly and organize ideas logically in paragraph form, using appropriate grammar and structure. They must be able to meet deadlines and revise their work based on editorial feedback.
The program is designed to help students develop (or further) their journalistic skills. They learn how to research credible sources, distinguish evidence-based and opinion pieces, analyze complex information, and translate it into clear, engaging stories for a youth audience. Along the way, they deepen their understanding of the latest developments in climate science, clean energy, sustainable cities, food systems, global policy, and more.
Most importantly, students learn how to use their voices with purpose. Through thoughtful reporting and storytelling, they inform their peers, highlight solutions, and inspire hope.
- A short bio introducing yourself and why the issue of climate and sustainability matters to you.
- Two non-fiction writing samples on any topic, which could be class assignments or external publications.
We do not take new writers mid-cycle; however, we encourage you to contact us as we review incoming applicatons year round to consider for the next upcoming session.
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