EcoLeader Academy
The seven-week EcoLeader Academy course provides an invaluable opportunity for highly motivated high school students to gain knowledge of the many facets of environmental science: ecosystems, human health, policy, climate change, food and agriculture, energy, pollution, environmental justice issues, local to global impacts, sustainability and green careers.
Attendees will grow in self-confidence and strengthen skills, such as communication, collaboration and public speaking that will also build a solid resume for college and job applications.
Overview
This course runs one day a week (participants choose a Wednesday or Thursday cohort to join) from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. Daily activities include a combination of expert-led classes, discussions, workshops, opportunities for creativity and service projects. This program is free and participants will receive a stipend for participation.
The program concludes with a Youth Garden Summit where participants will share their new knowledge and skills with other youth from around the Pittsburgh region. The Youth Garden Summit will take place from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Thurs., July 30, for both cohorts.
Objectives
- Cultivate an appreciation and understanding of local, national and global environmental science and justice issues and sustainable solutions
- Provide opportunities for youth to engage in solutions-focused and place-based environmental education that serves the community
- Introduce young people to “green” careers and develop career-relevant leadership skills in areas of science, research, policy, education and communication and other environmental fields
- Connect passionate young people with other like-minded youth and develop peer-to-peer education and communication skills
- Empower young people to seek and create change and recognize that individual and collective actions do make a difference
Dates and Locations
Programs are identical and offered at different times to accommodate a variety of schedules.
Wednesday Cohort:
Wednesdays from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
June 17, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22
Plus Friday, July 24th Youth Garden Summit from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Thursday Cohort:
Thursdays from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
June 18, June 25, *Wed., July 1 (holiday adjustment), July 9, July 16, July 23
Plus Friday, July 24th Youth Garden Summit from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
How to Apply
All applicants must have completed at least one year of high school and must be between 14 and 19 years old.
Applications for the 2026 EcoLeader Academy cohort are now closed.
Click here to be notified when applications open for the next cohort
Contact Us
For more information, please contact Alyssa Mulé, high school programs coordinator, at amule@phipps.conservatory.org or 412-622-6915 ext. 3804.
