EDUCATE TO LIBERATE
Start:Empowerment is a youth BIPOC-led non-profit at the nexus of climate education, solutions, and environmental justice.
With programming across Turtle Island, we offer high-quality justice-centric climate education that blends science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) skills with traditional ecological knowledge.
Our mission is to empower youth of color to innovate, imagine, and build a just and sustainable future.
OUR THEORY OF CHANGE
Gaps in Climate Education
The Problem
Climate education lacks justice, community perspectives, and traditional ecological and Indigenous knowledge. States are restricting access to climate science, BIPOC, and Queer histories, leading to unequal learning outcomes, the school-to-prison pipeline, and mental health issues.
Our Solution
We developed the Transformative Justice Education (TJE) program and Curriculum Suite to incorporate Indigenous and decolonial pedagogies and justice-centric climate education. Our curricula equip students with an understanding of climate issues and solutions, improve learning outcomes, incorporate diverse histories and knowledge, develop critical thinking and analysis skills, and empower students to be leaders and changemakers.
Frontline Youth Leadership
The Problem
There is a lack of support for youth of color to lead grassroots campaigns and develop local solutions. This gap hinders their ability to engage in meaningful solutions, advocate for their communities, and create impactful change. Youth of color often face barriers such as limited resources, mentorship, and platforms to voice their concerns and implement their ideas.
Our Solution
We establish programs like the Climate Justice Community School, after school programming, and education/action programs. These initiatives provide youth of color with the support and resources needed to lead grassroots campaigns, empowering them to develop and implement local solutions for climate justice.
Green Workforce Development
The Problem
There is a lack of access to green skills development. Schools and existing programs fail to adequately prepare frontline communities in green technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable practices. Additionally, insufficient emphasis on land stewardship and abolitionist teachings further limits opportunities for these communities to engage in and benefit from sustainable and just practices.
Our Solution
We develop school and summer programs focused on green workforce development to address gaps in education and training for frontline communities. Our programs provide youth of color with education and training in green technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable practices, building a resilient, innovative, and diverse workforce.
OUR FEATURED PARTNERS
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