Sparking Change: How to help youth grow from ideas to environmental action
September 30, 2026 2pm
Webinar with Dr. Kelly Albus - Texas Women's University
How do young people move from concern about environmental issues to hope, agency, and action? This webinar will explore how local, place-based environmental projects can help youth see themselves as capable agents of change within their own communities. Featuring the brand new Slingshot Spark video series, which highlights National Geographic Slingshot Challenge winners from around the world, this session will connect global youth stories with themes emerging from Texas students, including motivation, environmental identity, belonging, and the importance of mentorship and support.
Participants will leave with practical ideas for helping young people connect environmental issues to places and communities they care about, recognize how storytelling and peer examples can reduce feelings of isolation or helplessness, and identify the kinds of adult, educator, and community support that help students move from ideas to action. The session will also share informal student survey insights related to what motivates youth to engage in environmental problem-solving and how local projects can build confidence, connection, and hope.