Meet the Team Behind: Grades of Green

Grades of Green equips students and schools with tools to take action for the environment—turning passion into real change with fun, hands-on projects that protect our planet. Learn more here! 

Can you explain your mission and impact? 

Grades of Green is committed to nurturing the next generation of environmental champions by providing students with mentorship, resources, and hands-on leadership training. We were founded by four eco-conscious moms with children attending Grand View Elementary in Manhattan Beach, California. What started as a volunteering program has grown into a global movement to educate and activate students to lead environmental change. Since our start in 2009, our programs have diverted 28 million pounds of CO2 and 7 million pounds of trash, conserved 22 million gallons of water, and planted nearly 60,000 trees. 

Can you tell me about your programs? 

Our innovative programs inspire students to design and lead sustainability projects, drive advocacy, and engage in community outreach. So far, we’ve worked with over 1.1 million students in 33 countries around the world. For grades K-12, we offer year-long eco-lessons to spark students’ sustainable habits and launch school and community change. Our Climate Solutions program inspires students to become environmental advocates by teaching them about real-world issues and how to combat them through action. Eco-Innovation Academy is a high school program that develops industry sustainability standards alongside our business partners. 

How do you work with broader communities? 

Through our UPLIFT School District Partnership Program, we help school communities create a personalized plan that suits their campus’ needs and use our programs to reach their sustainability goals. UPLIFT can be implemented across an entire school district or individual schools at any time. We work with districts year-round to identify district goals, implement programs, and track district progress. Our partnerships support teachers, after-school program leaders, school coordinators, student clubs, custodians, and more— ensuring that the entire district community feels the positive impact of sustainability. 

How do you prepare students for careers as environmental activists?

The seeds we plant through climate education grow into real leadership and real impact. Many of our programs involve working with businesses on climate issues— giving students a first-hand look at what careers in this industry entail. We have a Student Social Media Ambassador Program where students learn how to craft engaging, educational content about everyday actions that make a big environmental difference. Each year, 40 students are chosen and given a $1,000 stipend upon the program’s completion. We’ve worked with tons of incredible students who have made their way into college and the workforce, and many of them continue to advise incoming cohorts of Grades of Green students.