Fall 2024: A Season of Impact and Growth

To finish off 2024, GreenLight Solutions hosted another  GreenLight Bootcamp experience where youth participants went beyond the classroom to gain hands-on experience in sustainability project management. Over the course of an intensive seven weeks and fourteen workshops, these Solutioneers partnered with three organizations to address real world sustainability challenges and meet their project partners’ goals. 

One youth Solutioneer reflected, “It was great to be able to once again be in the sustainability space as a non-student, especially with these resources and support,”' capturing the program’s ability to empower participants regardless of their academic status."

Guided by GreenLight’s structured project cycle and supported by dedicated Solutioneer Mentors and Project Partners alike, participants developed creative solutions and delivered impactful results—all within a condensed timeline of just seven weeks and fourteen workshops! It was no small feat, and their achievements are something to be celebrated.

Mobilizing Change with Third Act
The first project team partnered with Third Act, an organization committed to mobilizing Americans over 60 to take meaningful climate action. The team’s challenge was to engage this demographic in a way that inspired participation and fostered community outreach. Through thoughtful research and creative problem-solving, the team developed and distributed 20 visually engaging posters and proposed 10 specific and actionable strategies to promote civic engagement in climate action and democracy locally. 
By tailoring event ideas to align with Third Act’s values, they created a roadmap for impactful community mobilization. Along the way, the students gained valuable experience in outreach, communication, and innovative problem-solving, making a lasting impact on the organization and their own skill sets.

Composting Connections with Mill 
The next team collaborated with Mill, creating a partnership dedicated to advancing sustainable composting practices. Their project mission: raise awareness about the program and secure new subscriptions for the food recycling service. Their ethos: food for the land, not the landfill.

The team adopted a few different approaches, including digital marketing and in-person engagement. They connected with community members at a local farmers’ market and reached out to green businesses through targeted email campaigns. Their efforts laid the groundwork for securing 6+ new subscriptions, a testament to their strategic thinking and dedication. This project emphasized the importance of clear communication and adaptability when working towards sustainability goals.

Building Momentum with WormLab Community Initiative

As one of two WormLab teams, this community initiative focused on promoting its pilot program and building strategic partnerships. This project presented an exciting opportunity to help WormLab effectively communicate its vision for revolutionizing composting systems. 
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The team crafted 1 infographic illustrating the WormLab process, 1 digital pitch deck showcasing the program’s benefits, and 1 feedback survey for continuous improvement. They also developed 1 prospect list of potential partners, equipping WormLab with the tools to expand its reach. By diving deep into the organization’s mission and translating it into compelling materials, the students enhanced their skills in stakeholder engagement and effective storytelling.

Innovating for Municipal Partnerships with WormLab Inground Innovators
The WormLab Inground Innovators team took on a project to help WormLab foster partnerships with municipalities for advancing closed-loop composting systems. Their challenge was to clearly convey WormLab’s value to municipal stakeholders.
Through research and first-hand experience with a food recycler, the team created 1 detailed pitch deck and 1 engaging video to demonstrate how the program aligns with municipal sustainability goals. This polished presentation will serve as a key tool in WormLab’s efforts to build meaningful partnerships. The project underscored the importance of aligning values, refining messaging, and effectively presenting ideas to diverse audiences.

Throughout this  Bootcamp, students experienced the full arc of GreenLight’s project cycle—from initial research and strategy development to delivering tangible solutions. Each team tackled unique challenges, collaborated effectively, and delivered meaningful results for their Project Partners. Whether they were creating outreach strategies, developing marketing tools, or aligning organizational goals with sustainability values, these students showcased creativity, perseverance, and dedication. This experience also demonstrated the power of networking and collaboration, as one Solutioneer was invited to join a youth panel at a Third Act event featuring renowned figures Bill McKibben and Rebecca Solnit during their Silver Wave Tour.
This Bootcamp wasn’t just about sustainability—it was about growth, learning, and making  real-world impact. The students have much to be proud of, and their work is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. Here’s to another successful season of GreenLight Bootcamp projects, and to the bright futures of these talented participants and impactful organizations!