Our History
In the Fall of 2006, ECHS launched the Green Ambassadors Program and Course. The Green Ambassador Program is an environmental education program that empowers youth to be agents of change in their communities and world. Through service learning, community partnerships, and cross-cultural and global exchange, the program fosters personal growth and leadership skills to help youth tackle the most critical environmental issues facing our planet.
The program began as an extra-curricular program that trained students during a 10-week after-school course to serve as ambassadors for one of six major environmental issues. The Green Ambassadors then taught other students and community members about their issue through presentations, films, and print materials. Due to an enthusiastic response from the greater community, the program evolved into a course in which all 10th graders at ECHS participate. The program is being disseminated at ten different schools as part of the California Charter Schools Dissemination Grant. To date, the Green Ambassadors have appeared over 70 times to diverse audiences of over 20,000 people. The program has been featured on the Sundance Film Channel, Elevate Film Festival, EPA Environmental Awards, local news, and NPR, and continues to grow in strength and resolve.
Green Ambassadors is an award-winning program:
* California Department of Education Service Learning Leader Award, March, 2008
* State Farm Insurance Youth Advisory Board Grant Recipient, January, 2008
* 2007 Environmental Award from the EPA for work with biodiesel, conservation, and the process of banning of plastics.
