Education
Empowering student-led environmental solutions.
Empower Youth. Activate Change.
Together we can create meaningful global change one step at a time.
Walking Softer Education is a free program designed for high school-aged students in high school classes, clubs, or after-school programs to learn about sustainability and become empowered to participate in community-based environmental solutions. Participating groups learn about specific environmental issues and solutions, and then take action by planning, designing, and implementing a community sustainability project with up to $2,000 in project funding. Educators who take their students through the program are eligible for a $1,000 teacher stipend.
We are now accepting sign-ups for the 2025-2026 school year. The deadline to sign up is February 20th, 2026.
Participate in Walking Softer Education
Empower students with essential environmental knowledge, practical skills, and a sense of community responsibility, fostering a lifelong commitment to sustainability.
Scholarships for a better planet.
What’s more? High school juniors and seniors participating in our Education Program are eligible for a $5,000 to $20,000 scholarship should they choose to apply sustainability to their academic and professional future.
The Walking Softer scholarship aims to support Education Program participants in their pursuit of furthering their sustainability efforts at a 2-year, 4-year, or vocational school. There are no specific major requirements, but students should have the desire to apply sustainability in whatever path they choose and to progress toward equitable and just environmental solutions.
Reflections from Students & Teachers
“There are not a lot of sustainability programs where students can design their own projects and receive up to $2,000 to do so. What's especially unique and helpful is that Walking Softer recognizes the time that is required for teachers to do their program with students and provides them a teacher stipend.”
Briana Diacopoulos
Science teacher
Mount Saint Joseph High School, Baltimore, MD
“Becoming a recipient of the Walking Softer Education Scholarship has helped me push forward to continue pursuing my dream of becoming a Civil Engineer without having to worry about my finances. This award will aid my goal of giving back to other communities through the construction industry, in hopes of working on projects such as building stadiums, schools, hospitals, and other sectors of construction. The program has also shifted my perspective of how we can be environmentally conscious and work on sustainability missions through the process of creating buildings. I will be forever thankful for this scholarship committee for believing in me and providing me the financial support to continue my college career.”
Laura Viera
Scholarship recipient
University of California, Berkeley
“I liked working in group projects and collaborating on what we’re going to do because I’ve never had a project like this where I can choose what I want to do and in a sense go at my own pace.”
High school student
Baltimore, MD
“I learned that there are many possibilities for education and employment in sustainable energy sectors.”
High school student
Baltimore, MD
“Students get to implement something tangible and see it into action. They don’t just read about things or watch a video - they make it happen.”
Tara Everly
Science teacher
St. Mary’s Ryken High School, Leonardtown, MD
“The lesson plans and resources provided by Walking Softer have reinvigorated our efforts. The psychological and environmental benefits of these green spaces have been made clear by Walking Softer and have given the kids involved a new sense of purpose. The projects we have started; removing concrete and planting grass, building raised gardens and flower beds, planting native shrubs, flowers and trees, and creating outdoor work spaces for our students and teachers are improving every aspect of campus life through environmentalism. Students who see our work are becoming interested in environmentalism and what we're doing and signing up for our class; Walking Softer is truly making a difference in Lexington, KY.”
Greg Jacobelli
Environmental Science teacher
Lexington Catholic High School, Lexington, KY
“Highly recommended for teachers and their students. I have participated in other similar programs and none as engaging for students, supportive for teachers and provides so many opportunities for students as WS.”
Erin Graves
Biology teacher
Herculaneum High School, Herculaneum, MO
Stories
A series of entries from our Walking Softer community that inform, inspire and support change on our planet.
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