Washington students are growing up in a changing climate, and their perspectives matter. This fall, EarthGen recruited and prepared four student leaders from communities across Washington to share how they are taking action in their schools and communities while navigating the realities of climate change.
EarthGen staff facilitated a student-led panel at the Washington Science Teachers Association (WSTA) Conference, a statewide professional learning gathering for science educators. EarthGen designed the panel to center youth as experts, supporting students in preparing their stories and guiding the conversation through facilitated questions focused on student wellbeing, climate action, and adult support.
“I’ve often worked with youth on climate action and then tried to translate their needs to teachers,” shared Cambry, EarthGen staff member and panel facilitator. “It’s rare for adults to hear directly from students what growing up amidst the climate crisis is like, what they are doing about it, and what they think adults should do. Centering youth as experts brought a grounded and real tone to the conversation.”
Their panel conversation with educators sparked strong engagement and thoughtful feedback. As panelist Andrew Chen shared, “It was truly a great and rewarding experience. I really feel like I made an impact on climate education, and I’m so grateful to have shared my experience.” In response to the interest, EarthGen supported the students in hosting a second virtual panel, expanding access for educators and community members across the state.
Panelists, recruited from diverse regions and school communities, included Riley Benjamin-Meyer (Annie Wright High School), Andrew Chen (Pullman High School), Ritvik Rajkumar (Glacier Peak High School), and Ishan Singh (Issaquah High School). Their perspectives are helping schools and communities build solutions that are stronger, more inclusive, and grounded in the experiences of those living through a changing climate.