LIHUE – The County of Kauai’s Office of Economic Development (OED) announces the 3rd annual Youth Climate Class starting in January.
This program is open to high school students across Kauai and focuses on six key areas of sustainability:
• Clean energy
• Natural resources management
• Waste reduction
• Local food
• Smart sustainable communities
• Green workforce and education
The Youth Climate Class is a unique initiative to further the statewide goal of fostering local green workforce and education, by connecting high school students with local environmental leaders through field trips and hands-on learning. Students will also be paired with a local business of their choice and gain professional experience as they assist businesses with 10 basic green actions, resulting in the business earning a Hawaii Green Business Program certificate of recognition.
This program is free and open to all high school students on the island of Kaua‘i with a 15-student class limit. The course is a once-a-week commitment each Wednesday after 3 p.m. for one semester.
“The class is not your typical classroom experience; it’s a transformative journey for high school students to explore their role as change-makers in the fight against climate change,” said Nalani Brun, director of the Office of Economic Development.
By providing a hands-on and demonstrative learning module, students develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between people and land.
“We hope students will walk away inspired by all the great work being done on island and equip them with fresh ideas on how to foster island resiliency as the next generation of aina stewards,” said Brun.
Spots are limited and fill quickly. Interested students are encouraged to apply online at https://forms.gle/yMT9C3FZL15jedax8 by Jan. 10.
For more information about the class, visit https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/cd64217c5e2340f9936f26e03571e859 or contact Ana Española at aespanola@kauai.gov or 808-241-1968.
For more information on the Hawai‘i Green Business Program, visit https://greenbusiness.hawaii.gov/10-entry-level/.
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact Ana Española at her contact information stated above as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
