Fostering Future Climate Leaders
High School students in MA have an opportunity to positively impact their community and gain experience designing and implementing a climate-focused program as part of this challenge. Cooler Communities is partnering with Mass Energize and Green Community Catalysts to help mentor teams from across the state!
Are there students in your high school ready to create real impact?
The Youth Climate Solutions Challenge is an after-school community-based STEM program designed and directed by MassEnergize for high school students across Massachusetts. This climate leadership, team-based competition challenges students to design and implement clean energy and climate solutions, stepping outside the classroom to lead real-world outreach campaigns.
Timeline
How It Works
Sept 2026: Challenge launch & school outreach
Sept – Oct 2026: Informational webinars for interested students and schools
Oct 16th: Application deadline
Nov 2026: “Everything You Need to Know” Webinar Series; begin research & campaign planning
Dec 2026: Finalize campaign design
Jan 2027: Campaign launch & implementation begins
Feb 2027: Campaign implementation continues; video production begins
Mar 2027: Video submission; Poster presentation preparation begins
April 13th: Poster presentation at the Community Climate Leaders Conference (in Norwood, MA)
April 19th: Campaign concludes; Poster presentation & portfolio due
May 2027: Awards Night 
Students form teams of 2-6 members per team
Teams are divided by region; up to 15 teams per region
Each team is supported by a teacher or community advisor
Mass Energize, Cooler Communities or Green Community Catalysts provides mentorship and support throughout the year
Teams collaborate with local sustainability committees, climate organizations, and municipal staff
Teams must demonstrate creativity, innovation, community engagement, and impact to receive points
Teams produce a short project video (under 4 min) to aid their campaign
Students present a poster session at the annual Community Climate Leaders Conference
Awards are given to top performing teams at the final Awards Night
Project Example
Application Due Date:
October 16, 2026
Selected School Teams will be announced:
Monday, October 26, 2026
Joining the Youth Climate Solutions Challenge
Register your interest to participate
Sign up to one of the Zoom Info Sessions to learn more about the challenge requirements and to ask questions:
* Info session #1 September 30, 3:30pm
* Info session #2 October 5, 3:30pm
* Info session #3 October 12, 7:00pmReach out to Cooler Communities at info@coolercommunities.org if you have questions or would like guidance on project ideas
Apply here (note that you will be asked to provide a project topic, but this is just an initial idea and can be changed once you get into the planning phase)
Last year’s report:
