Offshore Wind Youth Action Program

The Challenge

The 2019 Climate Act challenges New York State to significantly reduce its carbon footprint while ensuring that clean energy benefits reach underserved communities. A key strategy for achieving this goal is the growth of the offshore wind industry in the state. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) partnered with our team to find creative ways to educate young New Yorkers about clean energy and climate justice and encourage them to pursue careers in offshore wind.

Our Approach

We began without a specific solution in mind, focusing instead on inspiring young New Yorkers to learn about clean energy, environmental justice, and the potential of offshore wind as a career. Our team facilitated one-on-one conversations and focus groups with experts in offshore wind, environmental activism, and education to help shape the project’s vision.

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Through in-depth discussions and co-design activities, we developed the Offshore Wind Youth Action Program: an interactive curriculum combining accessible lessons on clean energy with environmental justice through hands-on learning. We prototyped the curriculum and conducted user testing with teachers and middle- and high-school students. The feedback from testing allowed us to refine the program, resulting in a final version that I illustrated and designed. The program was launched at a public event with educators from across the state, many of whom have since incorporated the curriculum into their classrooms.