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Believing in the vision, collaborative spirit, and sheer numbers of the ‘Millennial’ generation, the Will Steger Foundation has launched the Emerging Leaders Program in support of the growing youth climate movement, across the U.S. and around the world, with a specific focus on Minnesota and the Midwest. Our investment in youth leadership is a direct reflection of our commitment to citizen engagement and grassroots mobilization as a means to solving the climate crisis.
The Emerging Leaders Program targets young people ages 15-30. Incorporating the core values of youth leadership, peer-mentorship, ownership, justice and collaboration, the Emerging Leaders program aims to educate, empower, and engage a new generation of climate leadership on a local, regional, national, and international scale.
While a national and international reach is integral to our programming our two core focus areas include:
- Local high school student engagement in the Twin Cities Metro Area
- Youth engagement across the Midwest
“The Upper Midwest is poised to play a pivotal role in America’s clean energy future because of its strong industrial base, its vast potential for generating power from wind and other renewable sources, and the crucial role of its Congressional delegations in shaping national energy policy. Because the region is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, it is also positioned to contribute significantly to reducing these emissions – and to reap the economic and environmental benefits of doing so.”– RE-AMP
Youth across the Midwest are launching exciting and ambitious initiatives aimed at lowering carbon emissions, taking on big polluters, building valuable partnerships, growing the green economy, and transitioning to a clean and just energy future. In cities across the heartland, Midwest youth are working with labor and impacted communities to move beyond coal and reindustrialize for a healthier economy and cleaner environment. Launching community energy efficiency programs in Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland and Minneapolis, youth are building valuable partnerships with low-income communities, communities of color, and key leaders in the faith community. With a focus on neighborhoods and municipalities, youth are working to make tangible progress on the local level, empowering community members, small business owners and policy makers to push for change from the inside out.
Youth climate leaders, working in tandem with environmental non-profits and foundations across the Midwest, are making critical strides in the heart of the country to gain traction on climate change discourse, policy, and solutions where we need it most. The Will Steger Foundation believes in the power of cross-generation collaboration across the Midwest to lead the country in the transition to a clean energy future.
Citizen engagement and grassroots organizing for the climate crisis has never been more critical and young people are an important part of the struggle and the solution. High school and college-age youth across the country are growing increasingly aware of the climate change crisis and becoming increasingly engaged in local solutions in their homes, on their school campuses, and in their wider communities.
Adolescence is a time of tremendous development and growth. The period from late adolescence to early adulthood is the time when critical habits are being developed. Our Emerging Leaders Program is based on this principle, that educating, engaging, and empowering youth in their teens and early twenties can lead to long-term civic engagement and critical leadership on climate change solutions.
Research shows youth who are engaged in service and community activities during adolescence are more likely to be civically engaged as adults (Hunter et al, 2000). Our Emerging Leaders Program prepares youth to enter college and/or the work force as agents of change. In tracking our high school and college alumni over the past four years, we have found that the majority of our youth do continue to be involved in environment and justice issues (many in the intersection of the two) after their high school and college graduation. Many have gone on to join state and national youth organizations, and found careers working for government and non-profits on climate related issues.
Our investment in youth leadership is a direct reflection of our commitment to citizen engagement and grassroots mobilization as a means to solving the climate crisis. Incorporating the core values of youth leadership, peer-mentorship, ownership, justice and collaboration, the Emerging Leaders Program aims to educate, empower, and engage a new generation of climate leadership on a local, regional, national, and international scale.
Millennials (also known as Generation Y and Echo Boomers) were born generally between 1980-2005 and are often defined as confident, connected, and open to change. With 17 million more Millennials than Baby Boomers they represent the largest, most educated and technologically savvy generation in American history. About half of Millennials in high school, college or grad school want to go on to earn a graduate or professional degree and 65 percent of young adults ages 18-29 not currently in school say they plan to go back someday. If Millennials graduate as expected, they will be the most school-educated generation in American history and in 2020 they have the potential to make up more than a third of the electorate. As history's first “always connected" generation", 90% of Millennials use the Internet and 75% have some sort of social networking account. (Pew 2005)
Despite the fact that Millennials are coming of age during a time when climate change, peak oil, and other environmental issues are of great importance, research shows that over half of Millennials convey genuine interest in the environment, but admit to lack of personal involvement in the issue. The majority say they get their information from the Internet. (Generate Insight 2010)
Millennials will absolutely shape the future of our world. The question is in what way? What role can the rest of us play, as educators, mentors, and allies in supporting and shaping a vision for a clean and just energy future? The Will Steger Foundation is committed to playing an active role in educating, empowering and engaging a new generation of climate leadership.
Youth Leadership
Creating space for authentic youth leadership in a safe and supportive environment where students can develop their style and effectiveness experientially through public speaking, group facilitation, program development, and outreach opportunities.
Peer Mentorship
Fostering peer-to-peer mentorship opportunities, by connecting high school youth with emerging high school leaders, and with college/post college age visionaries, through shared campaigns, trainings and events, speaking opportunities, and authentic collaborations.
Ownership
Engaging youth leaders in program development and facilitation as a means to foster a true sense of ownership over goals, process, and outcomes.
Collaboration
Building authentic collaborations with youth organizations and campaigns, through shared resources, win-win opportunities, access, and an openness to outcome.
Justice
Bringing a holistic perspective and inter-disciplinary approach to climate issues by incorporating issues of social and environmental justice into educational programming, program themes, and partnerships.
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