Congratulations to the recipients of the City of West Sacramento’s Youth Climate Action Fund, sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies!

Exciting news! West Sacramento may soon qualify for an additional $100,000 in funding to support youth-led climate projects over the next 12 months. In demonstrating a successful partnership with the City of West Sacramento and community youth groups, we are poised to make a significant difference in environmental health in the region. These youth-led projects have positioned us to receive additional potential funding that will empower young leaders to create and implement innovative sustainability solutions for our community. Stay tuned for more updates!

A list of grantees is below.

We Grow Urban Farm has introduced a comprehensive community outreach and education program focused on reducing waste through increased recycling, composting, and the recovery of organic materials. This initiative seeks to educate residents about the importance of composting food scraps and recycling nutrients. By diverting waste from landfills and enriching the soil with organic matter, the program promotes sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local agriculture.

Similarly, the River City High Garden Club is spearheading a proposal to teach students about the benefits of growing their own food and the importance of native plants. The program aims to reduce reliance on long-distance food transportation, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. It also emphasizes the critical role of composting in supporting garden growth and reducing food and green waste. By encouraging the cultivation of flowers and drought-tolerant plants, the initiative supports pollinators and promotes water conservation.

The Environment Boulevard Club’s proposal is led by two senior high school students who plan to assemble a team of “environmentally passionate teens” to bring their vision to life. The team will engage the West Sacramento community through presentations, arts and crafts workshops, nature walks, and public speaking events.

The Sustainable Soccer project initiative aims to shift mindsets toward sustainability, addressing plastic pollution and supporting a circular economy. Youth Ambassadors and Advocates spread the message through social media, events, and workshops, while Workshop Facilitators mentor peers in upcycling old cleats. The Youth Ambassadors will collaborate with youth soccer teams in West Sacramento and the surrounding region to recycle cleats. This project aligns with the City of West Sacramento’s Climate Action Plan and Bloomberg’s Youth Climate Action Plan.

Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA), has proposed a project that aims to encourage parents and children to choose bikes instead of cars for school transportation, addressing issues of timeliness, congestion, and safety. It also fosters friendships and leadership skills among students. The project reduces vehicle miles traveled, improves localized air quality, and encourages lifelong habits of choosing bikes for transportation. Additionally, it helps improve students’ behavior, focus, and performance in school through engaging in physical and social activity before classes. By reducing traffic congestion near schools, it offers a safer and healthier environment for all.

Washington Middle College High School will be planting trees and native plants on campus to support the plan’s goal of creating a carbon-negative and livable community. By doing so, they aim to achieve several objectives: removing carbon from the atmosphere through trees that absorb carbon dioxide, promoting a healthy environment for native species, and enhancing the beauty of their campus with greenery and shade. These efforts will have a significant impact, providing more carbon-negative options on campus, allowing the community to enjoy the beauty and fresh air, and helping the youth understand that they can actively contribute to addressing climate change.

The River City High School Sustainability Club seeks to improve recycling and address waste management issues through a student-led initiative. Their objectives include setting up recycling bins, reducing landfill waste, repurposing discarded books, and providing additional reading materials to the community. With further support, they also aim to clean up campus litter and encourage the use of reusable water bottles.

The Yolo Climate Advocacy Board (YCAB) empowers young leaders (ages 13-18) in West Sacramento to shape sustainable policies and practices. Working with Three Sisters Gardens, YCAB will provide recommendations to promote environmental sustainability and engage the community in climate action. YCAB fosters leadership, education, and advocacy, encouraging young people to take an active role in addressing climate change. This initiative builds a more resilient and sustainable community, benefiting both current and future residents.

The AP Environmental Science proposal is vital to supporting the City of West Sacramento’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) by engaging youth in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and local climate challenges. It empowers youth to earn college credit while enhancing their environmental literacy, equipping them to address future climate issues in their communities. By involving students, they can be prepared to contribute to discussions on reducing emissions and achieving the city’s CAP goals. The lack of Earth Science in high school has left students underprepared, despite their increased vulnerability to climate impacts. Engaging youth in hands-on, student-led lessons ensures they are prepared to act on urgent environmental challenges.