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Building
Leadership
Around
Sustainable
Transformation

What Is BLAST?

BLAST is the youth program of Accelerate Climate Solutions and is dedicated to empowering the next generation of youth climate leaders. Our programs turn climate doom into environmental action by helping high school and college students see that they have the power to make a difference in the world by addressing the climate crisis and protecting the environment.

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Opportunities Through BLAST

Explore the different programs and opportunities BLAST offers. Join other students in the community who want to make a difference.

Not sure what the best fit for you is? Email contact@accelerateclimatesolutions.org

Changemakers Green Challenge

Applications due November 8th, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST.

Open to all high school students.

Pitch your project idea for a chance to receive project funding, a paid summer internship, and more.

Learn More + Apply

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Climate Literacy Seal

Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 PM (Virtual)

Open to all high school students.

Join a team of students working to pass an Illinois law creating a high school diploma enhancer that would encourage climate education across the state.

Climate Advocacy Team

Help make Naperville or School District 204 more sustainable.

Open to all students.

*You don't have to be a Naperville resident or in District 204 to help!

Interested in leading a team and getting students involved?

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Youth Climate Justice Summit

Chicago's Youth Climate Justice Summit was held at Loyola University Chicago on October 28th, 2027.

Reach out to learn more about how your school can attend next year.

United Nations YEDx

Attend a Youth Environmental Dialogue (YEDx) in June 2027.

Open to high school and college students.

Attend this one week climate leadership academy in Aurora, Illinois where you'll learn, research, and collaborate with other youth to put

Maker Space

Thursdays, 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM

4 Olympus Drive, Naperville, IL 60540

Open to high school and college students.

Sign up to use our Maker Space throughout the 2026-2027 school year.

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Youth Advisory Board

Applications for the 2027-28 Youth Board will open Summer 2027.

Open to high school and college students.

Youth Advisory Board members are ambassadors for the organization, working to plan events, fundraise, and get the community involved.

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Have your own idea for a project/team?

We're here to support you by connecting you with community partnerships, local grant opportunities, potential mentors, and more.

Reach out and share your idea. We'll get in touch and figure out the best way to help.

Learn About Past Projects

Thank you BLAST Sponsors!

Generous donations allow us to support young environmental leaders year round. This means students can see their ideas from the Changemakers Green Challenge through to implementation, making a real impact in our communities.

You or your business can start supporting today and receive recognition from us.

Donate or Become a BLAST Sponsor Today

Sustaining Sponsors

LAMP Fund

Oak Forest Sponsors

Oak Tree Sponsors

Susan Greenwood
Grant Levitan
Jeff & Pam Clarkin
TC & Kurt Loving

Sapling Sponsors

Briana Moore
Roger Iliff
John Clarkin
Julie Wachowski and Rob Eakins
Fernando Arriola

Acorn Sponsors

Dr. Prakash Pedapati
Linda Watkins
Cheing-Mei Suen

Friends

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