Columbia Climate School in Green Mountain: Summer 2022 students share their experiences
Last summer we hosted our second cohort of students Green Mountain Columbia Climate School summer courses. Delivered in partnership with Putney Student Travel, this college preparatory course is designed to mobilize action, drive impact and effect change in response to our warming planet. Students have the opportunity to interact with Columbia Climate Institute faculty and staff, learn about cutting-edge research and action innovations, while meeting, collaborating and partnering with like-minded peers to leverage their collective action strengths.
The Columbia Climate School in Green Mountain offers transformative experience To drive holistic climate action by providing enthusiastic and active students with a wide range of climate and sustainability information and solutions-based tools. Below, three students in the “Green Mountains” 2022 program share the knowledge, skills and personal experiences they gained last summer in our sustainability and climate-focused program.
Amanda is a senior from Milburn, N.J.
Mary is a senior from Seattle, WA.
goosebumps is a senior from Scarsdale, New York.
What prompted you to apply to Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountain Program?
Soule (second from left) and other students in the Green Mountain program had the opportunity to meet Peter Shumlin, former Vermont governor and co-director of student trips to Putney.
Amanda: When I was looking for a meaningful way to spend some of my summer vacation, I stumbled upon Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountain Program and knew right away that it was a perfect fit for me. With my passion for environmental action and my desire to further expand my knowledge and commitment to the pressing issue of climate change, I knew I had to apply. While I’m not usually one to be in a rural setting, I knew spending two weeks alone in the beautiful grounds of Castleton would be an excellent opportunity to learn about the environment itself. Also, since I see the project is fairly new, I thought it would be more impactful to be involved in the beginnings of such a grand project.
Mary: I heard about this program through my own research. I knew climate change was something I was interested in, so I looked up camps related to it, and the Columbia climate change project seemed the most interesting to me.
Sole: My application to Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountain Program was inspired by my passion for advancing environmental justice and clean energy work. Although I acquired my knowledge through self-study, I wanted to spend this summer focusing on this topic in a program that was both relaxing and thought-provoking.
What was your favorite part or the most impactful part of the program?
Mary enjoyed Vermont’s natural beauty while reading a book with her friends.
Amanda: From my entire two week experience, I have to say my favorite part was how we developed and presented our own climate action plan at the end of the program. By doing this, it makes me feel like I can really have some impact, even if it’s just in my own community, because climate change often seems like an untouchable obstacle that we as individuals are powerless to improve. I also really enjoyed all the different speakers from the Columbia faculty that we had the pleasure of hearing from. Each speaker covered a different aspect of climate change, some of which I had little knowledge of before, such as environmental law and economic aspects related to climate change.
Mary: My favorite part of camp is the variety of speakers we have. All lecturers come from a variety of educational backgrounds and work areas, which demonstrates how environmental justice can be applied to a truly wide range of career paths.
Sole: The most impactful component of the program is the community; being surrounded by peers my age who are equally curious and motivated about environmental issues creates a space where I feel inspired. Also, I love and appreciate that everyone is open to learning new strategies, ideas and perspectives. I can “speak my mind” and so can others! It was refreshing to engage in productive conversations that were ungraded, natural, and valuable—something I found traditional high school programs lacked.
How does the program provide you with the knowledge, skills and/or tools to address climate change now or in the future?
Amanda smiles with Peter Shumlin, former Vermont governor and co-director of Putney Student Travel.
Amanda: From all the lectures, activities, and overall experience of the program, I did learn more about climate change in general, from how to have difficult climate conversations with other people all the way to how climate negotiations work in real life. It also allowed me to meet and get involved with an entire community of like-minded people who share the same aspirations and goals to help fight climate change. I hope to keep in touch with this amazing community and maybe even reconnect in the future for projects and such.
Mary: I really learned a lot from this camp.Even if you already know a lot about climate change, you’re sure to learn something new from it [experience]. You’ll learn about the science behind climate change, how it affects communities, opposing views around environmental justice, and more.this [program] Inspired me to study environmental justice at university.
Sole: This project has strengthened my understanding of the science of climate change, the interdisciplinary nature of environmental studies, and ways to act differently. In addition to knowledge, I gained perspective, friendship and connections with my peers; I think this aspect of the program is unique!
Suler and fellow climate activist friends share a memorable summer of thought-provoking conversations, climate-focused learning, exciting excursions, and fun!
If you’ve already brought a climate action plan into your community, we’d love to Hear your progress!
Amanda: While I haven’t incorporated my climate action plan into my community yet, I hope to start implementing it once the school year begins as I want to focus on educating elementary school students in the classroom.
Mary and friends enjoy the show’s celebratory dinner, capping off an energetic summer.
Mary: This summer, I’ve been working with some of my classmates at a cleaning club where we clean up litter from local beaches. We have set cleanup dates for the next few months.
goosebumps: I’m currently working with an organization that I used to be a part of called the Citizens of Westchester Climate Lobby. I’m working with other members to attend local events more often. Our organization focuses on three pillars of environmental action: outreach/community connection, clean energy, and nature-based solutions.
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Looking for climate-themed tours?we also provide colombia climate team The program combines purposeful travel with in-depth educational opportunities, leading students in the United States and abroad to experience destinations through the lens of climate change and focus on site-specific topics. Summer 2023 travel plans include:
Alaska: Climate Communication and Exploration, July 17-28, 2023
Iceland: Carbon Capture Technologies, July 20-August 1, 2023
chile and peru: Climate Impacts and Risks, 22 July – 11 August 2023
We will be hosting an information session for the 2023 Summer Program to share more about the College Prep Summer Program and answer any questions you may have:
Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 4:00pm EST
Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 4:00pm EST
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 4:00pm EST
Scholarship Opportunities Available to those who qualify. Highly motivated high school students (and incoming 9th graders) who are eager to get involved in community climate action are encouraged to apply now.
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