Youth Leadership & Workforce Development

What is Youth Leadership & Workforce Development?

Through our youth leadership and workforce development programs, we work to guide and inspire students to understand sustainability principles and gain practical skills through hands-on projects that can help shape their decisions about further study, careers and as future leaders.

These programs foster skills that can provide steady employment, improve local communities and restore the environment. We are moving forward with establishing a comprehensive program for high school students aligned with leadership skills, hands-on training and certification, and have started an adult education program for those looking to build professional sustainable landscaping skills.

The goal is to guide and inspire students to live happy and healthy lives within the environmental capacity of one planet, to develop an understanding of sustainability principles and equip them with practical skills to make a difference while preparing them for the next green economy.

174

Youth Internship Participants

34

Professional & Adult Ed participants

Youth Engagement

High school students can participate in a number of internship opportunities through our programs.

Learn more here

Youth Cooking Program

Teens learn basic kitchen skills and recipes and the value of supporting their local food system.

Learn more here!

2022 PDC

(September 2022-February 2023)

Develop a broad understanding of permaculture and design in a program combining class work with hands-on learning.

Learn more here!

DIY Sustainable Design

A four-part garden design series to create a sustainable, resilient landscape.

Learn more here!

Additional Resources

News and Updates

The Vision for a SuSol Education Center

The Vision for a SuSol Education Center

Sustainable Solano has had a vision for a while now: To have an office space that serves as a place of education around the many things we teach about, such as sustainable landscaping, water capture and reuse; cooking with seasonal, sustainable local food; and building community resilience.

Fellowship Focuses on Environmental Justice, Supports Pollinators in Vacaville

Fellowship Focuses on Environmental Justice, Supports Pollinators in Vacaville

As part of Sustainable Solano’s Environmental Justice Leadership Fellowship, seven students from multiple Solano County cities undertook a research and green infrastructure project in Vacaville. Students focused on the Markham neighborhood, a community grappling with several environmental challenges, and explored possible solutions, including walkability, available green spaces, and usable wildlife habitats.

Sustainable Gardening Intern Reflections

Sustainable Gardening Intern Reflections

The Sustainable Gardening internship was an opportunity for high school students to learn basic permaculture principles with a focus on waterwise gardening, and engage with community members while supporting community gardens. These three interns shared their reflections on the program with us, and we are excited to share them with you here with their permission.