Did you know that green cleaning supplies are healthier for humans, animals, and the environment? Youth Corps Eco-Leadership program student, Aisha, teamed up with Grades of Green and Earth Friendly Products to host a special Green Cleaning Eco-Lesson to teach her peers about the importance of using Green Cleaning Supplies. The presentation was delivered to over 100 fourth grade students at Woodbury Elementary School in Irvine, California. Aisha informed students about the harmful effects of toxic cleaning products, and how non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives are better for the environment and easy to make or purchase. Vivian Panou, Director of Special Events and Programs at Earth Friendly Products, led a demonstration with Aisha to show the audience how all natural, green cleaning products are made. At the end of the workshop, students left with a sample of dish washing soap thanks to Earth Friendly Products. Congratulations to Aisha on giving an excellent presentation, and thank you Earth Friendly Products for supporting our Youth Corps Eco-Leadership Program!

Interested in joining the Youth Corps Eco-Leadership Program next school year? Email us at info@gradesofgreen.org for more information today.

The Grades of Green team was all smiles this weekend as we welcomed 60 students into the 2016-2017 Youth Corps Eco-Leadership Program. On Sunday, October 9th, Grades of Green students from all across the greater Los Angeles area gathered at the Manhattan Beach Library for Youth Corps Orientation. After a lunch stacked with Fresh Brothers pizza, fresh fruit snacks from GROW, snacks from Pirate’s Booty and Clif Bars, and buzzing conversation, students in grades 2-12 with a passion for the environment met one another through participating in fun get-to-know-you games. These Youth Corps students heard from environmental experts from Earth Friendly Products, Coalition for Clean Air, West Basin Municipal Water District, and Southern California Edison who helped inspire incredible Grades of Green Activity ideas and raise awareness about pressing issues. Youth Corps students also had the opportunity to share ideas with one another and get practical advice from their advisors and fellow youth leaders. Grades of Green is so excited to see how these students will influence their peers, dazzle the community, and help make our environment a healthier place. Thank you so much to our sponsors at Murad Family Foundation, Earth Friendly Products, Alcoa Foundation, City of Santa Monica, Southern California Edison, and the Vanderbilt Family Foundation for making the Youth Corps Eco-Leadership Program possible! Click here to view more photos from Orientation!

Are you interested in being an environmental leader in your school? Check out Grades of Green’s Activities to see how you can get started!

We are thrilled to publish and share the Youth Corps Eco-Leadership Program Final Report 2015-2016. Our team had the pleasure of mentoring 60 outstanding 2nd-12th grade students who came from schools all over the greater Los Angeles area. Each student implemented a Grades of Green Activity of their choice, and the results are outstanding! Thank you to our generous sponsors for your support, including the Murad Family Foundation, Earth Friendly Products, Alcoa Foundation, City of Santa Monica, and Southern California Edison. Congratulations to the amazing students who participated in the Youth Corps this year, we are so impressed with your passion for inspiring and empowering your communities to care for the environment!

INSPIRED? We hope so! Apply for the 2016-2017 Youth Corps Eco-Leadership here and watch the 2015-2016 Youth Corps Presentations here!