School Electrification Challenge

  • Location
    Leesburg, Virginia
  • Status
    Active
  • Age Level
    14 to 18 Years
    19 to 25 Years
    26 and Over

The Problem

Schools are among the largest energy users in the public sector, and their emissions meaningfully affect our climate and health. As students, we want to help accelerate our district’s electrification efforts—supporting what already exists and launching new initiatives where needed. Our goal is simple: modernize campuses and reduce emissions, so students and staff can learn and work in healthier spaces. We’re ready to partner with school leaders, track progress, and turn this vision into practical, measurable results.

Our Plan

1) Form a student team and work with Citizens’ Climate Lobby for guidance and assistance. 2)Learn the landscape by getting up to speed on school electrification basics and how decisions get made in your district. Note upcoming school board meeting dates. Research the board by understanding board processes, priorities, and voting dynamics. 3)Research existing sustainability efforts and policies in our district and identify gaps to see where our efforts are most needed and where we can enact the most change. 4)Write clear, local messages and a simple draft resolution focused on sustainability changes related to schools. 5) Engage and build support by meeting board members, present the resolution, and grow public backing through student groups, families, and community leaders. Track progress, follow up after each meeting, and keep showing up!

Themes Addressed

  • term icon
    Advocacy
  • term icon
    Climate Change
  • term icon
    Community Enhancement
  • term icon
    Sustainability

The Benefit

  • term icon
    People
  • term icon
    Environment
About Roots & Shoots

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