Nominate Someone or Yourself Today for the EE 30 Under 30: Celebrating Young Changemakers Driving a Sustainable Future Across the Globe
The NAAEE’s EE 30 Under 30 program highlights the dynamic and diverse leaders who are using environmental education to build a more sustainable world, offering them global recognition and access to ongoing professional development.
The Environmental Education (EE) 30 Under 30 program, run by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), is a prestigious initiative that shines a spotlight on young leaders from across the globe who are making a significant impact through environmental education. Since its inception in 2016, the program has recognized the extraordinary efforts of young changemakers who are not only passionate about the environment but are also working tirelessly to inspire others to take action toward a sustainable future.
This year, the EE 30 Under 30 Class of 2025 is calling for nominations from across the world. This is an opportunity for individuals who are using environmental education to drive change in their communities, countries, or even globally. Whether through innovative teaching, community organizing, environmental activism, or policy advocacy, these leaders are laying the groundwork for a healthier planet and more sustainable societies.
A Platform for Young Environmental Leaders
The EE 30 Under 30 program highlights the diverse ways in which young people are engaging with environmental issues. The initiative is designed to recognize environmental education leadership in all its forms, whether that be through formal education, community initiatives, media outreach, or business and governmental strategies. This broad definition of leadership ensures that a wide range of talented individuals is recognized and celebrated.
The program’s goal is to spotlight leaders from various sectors, including education, nonprofit work, research, business, and the arts, who are making tangible impacts in the fields of environmental sustainability and climate action. By fostering a diverse cohort of leaders, EE 30 Under 30 creates a strong network of young professionals who can exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and amplify each other’s efforts toward building a sustainable future.
Who Can Be Nominated?
The program welcomes nominations for individuals who are passionate about environmental education and are already making an impact. Whether they are grassroots activists, community organizers, teachers, scientists, or entrepreneurs, the EE 30 Under 30 program seeks to recognize people who are bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas to the environmental education space.
Nominees can come from any part of the world and can be involved in environmental education at any level—local, national, regional, or global. They can be working in a variety of settings, such as:
- Schools and Universities: Teachers and students promoting sustainability through classroom initiatives, research projects, or campus sustainability programs.
- Community Groups and NGOs: Organizers and leaders working to raise environmental awareness in their communities, whether through campaigns, workshops, or hands-on projects.
- Government and Policy: Individuals working within governmental agencies or nonprofit organizations to influence policy, advocate for sustainable practices, or develop public programs.
- Media and Communication: Young people in media, journalism, or digital platforms who use their platforms to spread messages of environmental conservation and education.
The Benefits of Being Selected
Nominating someone—or even yourself—for the EE 30 Under 30 program brings with it numerous benefits. Recipients of the award will gain global recognition for their work, join a growing network of inspiring environmental leaders, and access various professional development opportunities.
Some of the key benefits for awardees include:
- Global Recognition: Selected individuals are recognized internationally for their contributions to environmental education. This recognition provides them with visibility and credibility in their fields, increasing the chances of attracting partnerships, funding, and media attention for their projects.
- Professional Networking: Awardees join a vibrant alumni network of over 200 individuals from across 53 countries. This network fosters collaboration, sharing of resources, and the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences. The EE 30 Under 30 alumni community also provides ongoing support for career development and project expansion.
- Career Development: Through access to Changemaker Grants and other funding opportunities, recipients can further their initiatives and bring their ideas to life. These grants help ensure that the important work begun by the 30 Under 30 leaders can continue and grow.
- Exposure to New Opportunities: Awardees are often invited to speak at conferences, participate in global dialogues on environmental issues, and collaborate with other thought leaders. This increases their visibility and opens doors to new professional and collaborative opportunities.
Eligibility and Nomination Process
The EE 30 Under 30 program is open to individuals who are 30 years old or younger and who have demonstrated significant leadership in environmental education. The program encourages a wide variety of nominations, ensuring that individuals from different backgrounds, disciplines, and parts of the world are represented. The eligibility criteria are designed to recognize those who are committed to building a sustainable future through innovative and impactful environmental education.
To nominate yourself or someone else, applicants need to fill out a nomination form by May 12, 2025, at 11:59 PM U.S. Eastern Time. The application process includes submitting:
- A completed application form detailing the nominee’s work and achievements.
- A motivation letter explaining why the nominee deserves to be recognized for their leadership in environmental education.
- Supporting documents such as a CV, portfolio, or media coverage that showcases the nominee’s work.
Before submitting the application, interested individuals are encouraged to participate in a webinar on April 9, 2025, to learn more about the program and tips for writing a strong nomination.
A Growing Alumni Network of Global Change-makers
Since its inception, the EE 30 Under 30 program has recognized 271 individuals from 53 countries, all of whom are contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future. The program’s alumni network continues to grow each year, providing ongoing opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and support. This community of young environmental leaders is united in its mission to inspire, educate, and advocate for lasting change.
Each year, the EE 30 Under 30 alumni contribute to creating a world where sustainable practices are not just idealistic goals, but practical, actionable solutions that benefit people and the planet. The program helps young leaders continue to innovate, share knowledge, and implement solutions that address the environmental challenges of today.
Call to Action
The EE 30 Under 30 program is an essential platform for young leaders in the field of environmental education. It recognizes individuals who are going above and beyond to address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
With its focus on diversity, global reach, and professional development, the program is helping to cultivate a new generation of changemakers who will continue to drive sustainable progress on a global scale.
Whether you’re a community organizer, teacher, researcher, or artist, if you’re making a difference through environmental education, this program is your opportunity to be recognized and empowered to do even more. Nominate yourself or someone you know today!
