PROGRAM APPROACH
The Embodied Carbon Youth Initiative (ECYI) offers youth ages 10-20 the opportunity to combine in-depth exploration of how building decisions impact the climate with targeted climate action .
ECYI will offer two main program focuses: EDUCATION & OUTREACH ACTIONS
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Some resources for each category will be openly available for on-demand access, while students interested in in-depth guided mentorship, live virtual discussion opportunities with AEC and materials professionals and other youth will be able to apply to the ECYI Youth Ambassador Program.
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EMBODIED CARBON & GREEN BUILDING EDUCATION
COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC SPEAKING TRAINING
OUTREACH ACTIONS
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Learn about green building, the design-build process, life-cycle analysis, embodied carbon, EPDs, low-carbon materials, carbon sequestration, Buy Clean policies, and carbon markets though educational modules (under development) that will be be available on this website as on-demand resources
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Explore career opportunities in architecture, engineering, construction, materials, and sustainable business through interactive dialogues with professionals
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Receive instruction in accurate communication and ways to engage with the media, industry groups, agencies and organizations.
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Practice public speaking and responding to questions in real time in a supportive virtual forum of youth and mentors
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Work with mentors to identify and pursue Outreach Actions
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Have access to ECYI content for presentations and media
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Be eligible to apply for travel stipends to attend related events as an ECYI Ambassador along with a parent/guardian
Empower
Growth
OUTREACH ACTIONS
Youth use their voices to turn their knowledge into climate action!
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Through Outreach Actions, ECYI Youth Ambassadors:
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Highlight how every building project is an a important opportunity for climate action
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Encourage best practices and low-carbon materials to reduce embodied carbon
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Develop real-world skills, explore careers
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Get to be an active part of the global movement to decarbonize the built environment
ECYI Youth Ambassadors, work to raise awareness about embodied carbon in their local communities: Outreach Actions can take many forms, such as presentations at:
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AEC industry or climate change events
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City Council/county board meetings
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Classrooms or lecture halls
Or by doing:
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Media interviews
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Article submissions
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Local business outreach
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All planned Outreach Actions will be submitted in advance to the ECYI for review. Outreach Actions will be documented as direct program impact, and will be publicized and shared with ECYI partners to maximize impact.
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