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Building
Leadership
Around
Sustainable
Transformation

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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 

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Changemakers Green Challenge

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

Open to high school students.

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

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(New!) Youth Advisory Board

Applications due September 30th, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST.

Open to high school and college students. 

Work with other members to fundraise, reach other students in the community, and advise on program improvement.

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Naperville Climate Advocacy Team

Tuesdays, 7:00 PM (In-Person + Virtual)

Open to all students.

*You don't have to live in Naperville

Be an advocate for your community by speaking out at city council meetings, raising awareness, and more.​​​​

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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.

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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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District 204 Climate Advocacy Team

Mondays, 7:00 PM (In-Person + Virtual) 

Open to all students.​​

*You don't have to be in District 204!

Help make Indian Prairie School District 204 more sustainable by attending school board meetings, raising awareness, and more. 

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Youth Climate Justice Summit

Registration closes September 25th, 2026.

 

Bring a small group from your high school to this year's YCJS taking place on October 27th, 2026 at Loyola University Chicago. 

*Email us to find out if your school is already going.

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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.  

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. 





 

Sustaining Sponsors

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LAMP Fund

Oak Forest Sponsors

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Oak Tree Sponsors

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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

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Dr. Prakash Pedapati
Linda Watkins
Cheing-Mei Suen

Friends

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  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
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