Unleashing Youth Innovation for a Greener Future
In the heart of Stanley Park High School, a vibrant community of young eco-entrepreneurs is rising to the challenge of creating a more sustainable world. Fueled by a deep passion for environmental stewardship and a relentless drive to make a difference, these students are tackling real-world issues and designing innovative solutions that are transforming their school and the broader community.
At the forefront of this movement is EcoRise, a non-profit organization that empowers students to become agents of positive change. Through comprehensive curriculum, hands-on learning, and competitive microgrant opportunities, EcoRise equips students with the skills and resources they need to bring their sustainability visions to life.
“EcoRise has been a complete game changer in terms of creating a robust system that gives my students an opportunity to enact visible change in our school,” shares a teacher from Stanley Park High. “With their support, training, and micro-grants, I have been able to do some truly amazing projects with my students.”
Eco-Audits and Student-Led Solutions
One of the cornerstones of the EcoRise program is the Eco-Audit, a student-driven assessment of a school’s environmental impact. By conducting detailed surveys and data collection, students gain a deep understanding of their school’s energy use, water consumption, waste management, and more. Armed with this knowledge, they then design innovative solutions to reduce the school’s environmental footprint.
“Conducting Eco-Audits allowed my students opportunities to actively engage in decision making and explore ways to improve areas within our campus,” explains a teacher who has witnessed the transformative power of the program.
At Stanley Park High, students have leveraged the Eco-Audit process to tackle a wide range of sustainability challenges. From implementing a comprehensive recycling system to pioneering a food waste composting initiative, these young eco-entrepreneurs are making tangible improvements that benefit the entire school community.
Fostering Entrepreneurial Mindsets
Beyond the Eco-Audit, EcoRise empowers students to develop their entrepreneurial skills and bring their sustainability ideas to life. Through a competitive microgrant program, students can secure funding to turn their dreams into reality, whether it’s designing energy-efficient lighting systems, creating biodiverse school gardens, or launching waste-reduction campaigns.
“EcoRise inspires young people to think about their impact on the world and ways to make it better,” shares a teacher. “With their support, training, and micro-grants, I have been able to do some truly amazing projects with my students.”
One such project at Stanley Park High was the development of a mobile app that helps students and families track their household energy usage and learn practical tips for reducing their carbon footprint. The app, designed and built by a team of student eco-entrepreneurs, has become a valuable tool for the entire school community.
Beyond the Classroom: Community Partnerships
The impact of the student-led sustainability initiatives at Stanley Park High extends far beyond the school’s walls. By forging partnerships with local businesses and organizations, these young eco-entrepreneurs are amplifying their efforts and creating a ripple effect throughout the community.
One such collaboration is with the innovative design firm Forward Learning Experience at Iowa State University. Led by Professor Dan Dougherty, the Forward Learning Experience (FLEx) program provides Stanley Park High students with hands-on opportunities to explore emerging technologies, such as 3D printing and virtual reality, and apply them to their sustainability projects.
“The partnership with FLEx has been transformative for our students,” explains a teacher. “They’ve been able to leverage cutting-edge tools and design expertise to bring their eco-friendly innovations to life in ways they never thought possible.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Eco-Entrepreneurs
At the heart of Stanley Park High’s sustainability initiatives is a fundamental belief that empowering young people is the key to creating a greener, more sustainable future. By providing students with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to become effective change-makers, the school is nurturing a new generation of eco-entrepreneurs who are poised to lead the way in addressing the pressing environmental challenges of our time.
“My students’ worlds are more meaningful because they now have an understanding of their role in it,” shares a teacher. “The sense of empowerment that they have learned through this curriculum makes them better global citizens and members of their own communities.”
As Stanley Park High continues to foster this culture of student-driven sustainability, the school has become a beacon of inspiration for other educational institutions. By sharing their successes and best practices, they are helping to inspire a nationwide movement of eco-entrepreneurship that is transforming the landscape of environmental stewardship.
Changemaker Fellowships: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
In a recent partnership with NC State’s Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship program, Stanley Park High has taken its commitment to eco-entrepreneurship to new heights. Through the Changemaker Fellowship, select students are given the opportunity to work directly with local businesses and organizations, applying their sustainability knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
One such student, Audrey Westlund, had the chance to collaborate with 321 Coffee, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During her fellowship, Westlund assisted 321 Coffee in their pursuit of B Corp certification, a rigorous process that demonstrates a company’s commitment to social and environmental accountability.
“Working with 321 Coffee has been one of the most impactful educational experiences I’ve had,” Westlund reflects. “Lindsay, Michael, and all other company directors are incredibly inspiring and driven. It was amazing to work in this atmosphere every day, fueled by the team’s devotion to 321’s mission and success.”
Through the Changemaker Fellowship, Westlund was able to gain hands-on experience in sustainability consulting, helping 321 Coffee navigate the B Corp certification process and develop strategies for sustainable growth. By sharing her insights and creating a comprehensive guide for other students and businesses, Westlund has helped to bridge the gap between the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom and the practical application of eco-entrepreneurship.
Empowering the Next Generation of Eco-Entrepreneurs
As the eco-entrepreneurship movement at Stanley Park High continues to gain momentum, the school is poised to become a hub of innovation and environmental stewardship. By nurturing the passions and talents of its students, the school is empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders who will shape the future of our planet.
“I will remember it for the rest of my life,” shares a student who has participated in the EcoRise program. “I can design a solution to a problem. They say when you learn things well, you will never forget…and I will never forget what I learned in EcoRise.”
Through partnerships with organizations like EcoRise and the Forward Learning Experience, Stanley Park High is providing its students with the resources, support, and real-world opportunities they need to turn their eco-friendly ideas into tangible solutions. And with the Changemaker Fellowship program, the school is empowering its students to take their sustainability initiatives beyond the classroom and into the community, creating a lasting impact that will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
As you explore the Stanley Park High School website and learn more about the school’s sustainability initiatives, we encourage you to get involved and support these young eco-entrepreneurs in their mission to create a greener, more sustainable future for all.
