From Pop-Up to Powerhouse: How a Pilot Program Sparked a Movement in Climate Education
- Eco Earth Essentials
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
In Summer 2025, Essential Earth Futures (GoEEF) partnered with New American Pathways, a leading immigrant and refugee-support organization, to pilot our GoEEF On the Go model, a mobile, hands-on climate education program designed to meet learners where they are.
Over the course of five sessions, from June through mid-July, we worked with a diverse group of mixed-age learners, many of whom had never encountered sustainability concepts before. These students came from diverse backgrounds, languages, and life experiences, united by a shared curiosity and a drive to make a difference.
From understanding terms like pollution, reuse, and upcycling, to crafting their own solutions and pledging to become Planet Protectors, these young minds brought our curriculum to life. Their creativity, engagement, and sense of purpose proved what we’ve always believed: climate education belongs in every classroom, and every community.
What We Delivered
Hands-on activities like upcycled crafts, climate bingo, and other renewable energy games.
Story-led workshops featuring Prickles’ Plastic Pickle, sparking curiosity and environmental awareness.
Vocabulary-building exercises that introduced terms like upcycle, pollution, and sustainability—words students proudly used in their own conversations by the end of the program.
The Planet Protector Pledge is a closing ritual in which each child commits to taking simple, yet powerful, steps to care for the Earth.
“Shelleyan is an engaging, passionate teacher who helps students learn about conservation and the environment while keeping things fun!”
— Dr. Winston Persaud, New American Pathways
The Impact
We reached over 50 students, ranging from early learners to teens, with no prior exposure to climate education. The results were undeniable:
Improved climate vocabulary
Visible excitement and retention
Newfound pride in becoming Planet Protectors
Volunteers noted how students eagerly discussed ways they already conserve water, reuse materials at home, and encourage others to go green.
“The highlight was hearing the students talk about how they help keep our planet green and happy. It was fun, educational, and empowering.”
— Volunteer Facilitator
What’s Next: The Program Expands
Thanks to the success of this pilot, we are continuing our partnership with New American Pathways for the 2025–2026 school year, this time reaching even more classrooms, after-school programs, and community partners across DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Fulton Counties.
We’re expanding from pop-up sessions into a multi-week enrichment series that includes:
STEM-aligned activities
Digital learning (coming in 2026)
Ongoing student certification and recognition
A deeper investment in climate leadership for kids from all backgrounds.
Help Us Grow the Movement
We’re building something special, but we can’t do it without your help.
Your donation helps us deliver essential workbooks, classroom pop-ups, and training for volunteers who are bringing this experience to life across Georgia.
💚 $25 = one interactive workbook + story kit
💛 $100 = sponsors a full Planet Protector experience for four students
❤️ $500+ = fuels a full-day school program
Together, we can close the climate education gap and plant seeds of action, confidence, and care in the hearts of the next generation.
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