We center community and empathy to inspire the next generation
The San Francisco Environment Department (SFE) offers free environmental education to all TK–12 schools in San Francisco. These learning experiences build empathy and give students the tools to discover and practice climate action through their own interests, using hands-on, standards-aligned lessons to explore zero waste, water stewardship, climate, and more.
Beyond the classroom, SFE empowers youth to turn learning into action through projects and leadership opportunities. Students can:
- attend Climate Talks, where youth lead workshops and engage with their communities;
- design their own environmental projects with guidance from SFE educators; and
- participate in internships and youth roles that provide real-world experience in the environmental field.
By centering community, empathy, and the environment, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders to shape a more just, sustainable future.
Student projects
Have an environmental project in mind? We support youth through the creative process to develop projects that address issues impacting you and your community. Past student work includes original podcast episodes aired on KQED, along with other youth-led media and advocacy projects. Participants receive guidance, resources, and a platform to turn their ideas into meaningful, real-world impact
Podcast episodes
"Less Poison, More Progress” aims at spreading awareness regarding the abundance of toxic substances around the San Francisco Bay Area, from our straws to our marine life. Click on the image above to listen to the episode on KQED.
"A Conversation on Energy" aims to inform and enlighten youth across the nation about what is happening in San Francisco to create a fully renewable energy city possible. Click on the image above to listen to the episode on KQED.
"Sustainable Transportation in San Francisco" highlights the key aspects of San Francisco’s transit-first system through its policies and infrastructure, which ties into its larger sustainable city model. Click on the image above to listen to the episode on KQED.
More examples of past student-led projects
This section highlights how youth turn environmental ideas into action—through videos on reusable cups, DIY zero-waste projects, and creative games that make sustainability accessible and fun.
Video produced by Gabriel Corey. Producer statement: Even the little things of buying boba has an effect on the environment. The small action of bringing your own cup to the boba shop also has an impact. I wanted to emphasize how important small actions can be to our environment and our personal lives.
Climate Talks
Climate Talks is a youth-led workshop series held at San Francisco Public Libraries, focused on a variety of environmental topics. By bringing community together, we inspire one another to make simple changes, share ideas and learn from one another, and connect with other youth across the city to take meaningful actions that make a difference in San Francisco.
Click the button below to send us an email with your ideas for topics.
Past Climate Talks
Expand each section for a glance at Climate Talks youth have led in collaboration with our team.
Reuse Revolution (Two-part series)
Reuse Revolution was a youth-led Climate Talk focused on how reuse—repair, refill, sharing, and secondhand systems—can reduce waste and cut climate pollution. The session connected personal habits to citywide climate strategies and encouraged participants to see reuse as both an environmental and community-building solution.
Youth Climate Priorities
Youth Commissioner Harper Fortgang led a dynamic discussion on climate priorities for young people in San Francisco and the ways youth can take meaningful action. The conversation explored issues most impacting youth today, including climate justice, community resilience, and access to sustainable solutions. Participants were invited to share their perspectives, reflect on how climate policy affects their daily lives, and consider how youth voices can shape local decision-making. The session emphasized the power of youth leadership in advancing equitable climate action across the city.
Planning for the Future
San Francisco State University lecturer Shawn Rosenmoss kicked off our first Climate Talk, "Planning for the Future", in December 2024, sparking a conversation about the environmental future of the City. Through personal connection, we explored how this uncertainty relates to the environment and how we can take meaningful climate action in relation to our personal lives and in politics.
Internship opportunities
Want to intern at San Francisco Environment? Our team host interns throughout the year through Opportunities for All, Enterprise for Youth, JCYS, and SF Youth Works. We encourage you to checkout their pages to see which host site works best for your schedule.
Interns work on various topics to gain environmental experience through a youth community engagement lens.
Want to learn more or see how you can get involved with our team?
Explore Environmental Education and youth resources
Looking for tools, opportunities, or inspiration to support youth climate action and learning? Check out SF Environment’s comprehensive education resource page, where you’ll find curated opportunities for students, educators, and young professionals alike.
Featured resources include:
- Internships, fellowships & job pathways — Paid and professional experience opportunities with city departments and partner organizations.
- Volunteer opportunities — Connect with local environmental efforts through community partners and service projects.
- Educator tools and curriculum support — Ready-to-use guides, community science links, and lesson-friendly materials to bring climate topics into the classroom.
- Helpful tools for taking climate action — Guides, challenge links, and online resources to support students and teachers in exploring environmental solutions.
