Mentors are being sought to help build on climate momentum created by Vernon high school students.
Grade 11 Fulton students Haylee Andal and Jade Ha are thrilled their Climate Action Ripple Effect (CARE) Transit 4 Teens project was instrumental in the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) recent endorsement of free transit for youth under 18. UBCM support carries significant weight as the endorsement heads to the province for official approval.
Following their award-winning performance at the CARE Student Summit last spring, Ha and Andal decided to share widely what they’d learned about the benefits of free youth ridership.
After presenting to Vernon council, Vernon School District trustees, and local MLA Harwinder Sandhu, they met with the B.C. Transportation minister and Environment and Climate Strategy minister. They also provided provincewide training for youth across B.C. about the benefits of free transit ridership for youth under 18.
“We are so proud and excited for Haylee and Jade,” said Vernon School District superintendent Karla Mitchell. “Their initiative will have a tangible positive impact on the lives of youth as well as demonstrate how each of us can be an advocate for climate action. “
Added CARE program facilitator and Fresh Outlook Foundation CEO Jo de Vries: “This is a perfect example of how this groundbreaking student climate education and community engagement program can mobilize lasting change in Vernon and beyond. And we’re just getting started.”
Planning is well underway for CARE in the spring of 2025 in School Districts 22 (Vernon) and 23 (Central Okanagan), with pioneering student learning approaches and enriched community mentorship opportunities.
“If you care about kids and climate, we’d love to have you join our growing team of experts and advocates from all sectors who are guiding the next generation of climate advocates and activists," said de Vries.
If you’re interested in being a CARE mentor, contact Angie Ioakimidou at angie@freshoutlookfoundation.org.
