Mentorship is necessary in today’s job market and key for driving innovation, career development, and access to professional opportunities. However, many young professionals struggle to secure mentorship, a critical missing piece from their professional development. 

According to Forbes, 76% of people think mentorship is vital to early-stage professional success, but only 37% have a mentor. Inequitable opportunities,  lack of experience, and restraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have made securing employment for youth more dependent on networking and privileged social capital. This creates greater exclusivity in the workforce, given systemic issues that lead to inequitable opportunities in networks and education. 

Companies and organizations benefit greatly when they provide support to young professionals and build leadership skills at every stage of their careers. Mentorship enhances the development of soft and technical skills critical to employment, and encourages diversity to create a well-rounded team, improving team dynamics.

Since 2009, Student Energy has worked with over 50,000 young people from more than 120 countries, empowering them with the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to lead the energy transition. Mentorship is a cornerstone of this mission – by connecting mentees with experienced professionals, we ensure our global youth network gains access to tailored guidance for their unique projects and challenges, practical advice on navigating the climate and energy fields, and the opportunity to learn directly from leaders in the industry. 

What are the Mentorship Models?

Student Energy will offer three streams of mentorship for a flexible commitment from mentors and mentees:

1. Flash Mentorship: 1 x 1-hour mentorship session every 1-3 months focused on gathering necessary information, securing connections, or learning a skill. Flash mentorship will likely occur with a different mentee each session. 
2. Project & Career Development: Monthly, 1-hour recurring meetings supporting a team project or advising on career goals and professional development. 
3. Committed Mentorship: Weekly or bi-weekly meetings building a solid mentorship relationship, supporting a team project through completion, or young professionals through their early stage career development. 

Commitment levels can change throughout the cycle, and the change can be agreed upon by the mentor and the mentee.

How the Mentor Matching Process Works

• Mentor Registration: Bloomberg staff interested in becoming mentors must complete the Mentor Registration Form (linked below). All staff who apply are added to our database designed to help us create mentor matches. We may contact you anytime between March and December 2025 about mentor matching with our program participants.

• Mentor Requests: The Student Energy community can submit a detailed mentorship request form outlining their goals and areas where they are seeking support. 
• Matching and Introduction: Student Energy will review and screen all requests, and facilitate the matching process. Matches will be made based on your skills and experiences and the mentee’s needs. Once a match is made, we will introduce you to the mentee via email, and we will help schedule and facilitate the initial meeting

Why become a Student Energy Mentor?

By registering as a Student Energy Mentor, you will:

• Provide guidance to youth-led projects, professional development, and career exploration.
• Connect with a global community of innovative youth and professionals dedicated to addressing challenges in the energy transition.
• Strengthen your coaching and mentorship abilities while making a meaningful impact.
• Plan an active role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow and driving the sustainable energy transition forward.

This is a great opportunity to inspire, engage, and innovate alongside the next generation of energy leaders.

This is your opportunity to play a direct role in shaping the future of energy. By becoming a mentor, you’ll directly contribute to youth-led solutions and gain unparalleled access to a network of passionate, forward-thinking young leaders.

Become a Student Energy Mentor Today

Becoming a Student Mentor is an easy process. Simply complete the Mentor Registration Form below and we will follow up with you with for more details and possible mentees to work with.

APPLY NOW

If you have any questions about Student Energy Mentorship, please contact us at mentorship@studentenergy.org.

To address this challenge, Student Energy and the Climate Emergency Collaboration Group came together at COP28 to facilitate a collaborative roundtable event, uniting youth and philanthropic actors to address the challenges and opportunities inherent in engaging youth-led organizations in the energy sector. These conversations emphasized the importance of flexible, unrestricted funding to support the long-term sustainability of youth organizations while facilitating greater participation in global decision-making spaces; dismantling exclusionary barriers present within current grant-making processes; and recognizing the unique needs and challenges facing youth, prioritizing support for youth efforts across ages, geographies, and backgrounds.

As we look towards this year’s COP convenings, which will be taking place between November 11 and 22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan, we’re diving into a few key takeaways from this discussion while calling on leaders across all sectors to raise ambition around their youth engagements – a demographic that will be critical to achieving an equitable and sustainable energy future for all. We further hope these findings will catalyze broader gatherings and youth-philanthropy engagements to spur the global energy transition through innovative and impact-driven youth initiatives.

Flexible, unrestricted funding is essential. 

Many youth participants noted that they often have difficulties accessing funding through philanthropies that support multi-year projects or general organizational needs, instead relying on project-specific grants. 

Not only can flexible, unrestricted funding support the long-term sustainability of youth organizations, but a number of additional co-benefits can be realized. Sufficient funding towards organizational salaries can help to reduce burnout common across youth organizations, many of which are volunteer-based. Funding allocated toward travel can facilitate increased youth participation in critical global decision-making spaces, such as COP28, which can be vital for inspiring future work and initiatives. Unrestricted funding can also serve to support educational and people development opportunities, furthering young people’s capacity to undertake this critical work and enhancing their overall credibility as actors in the energy space.  

Philanthropy must work to dismantle barriers that are exclusionary to youth. 

Youth organizations expressed that they generally find the philanthropic space to be exclusionary, difficult to navigate, and often operating in elite circles of which they are not a part. 

Philanthropic organizations must acknowledge the current barriers that may restrict youth organizations from accessing grants. These barriers might include the use of difficult or jargon-filled language, bureaucratic and time-consuming application processes, and funding requirements that render youth-led work ineligible due to fewer years of experience and a perception that youth lack the necessary expertise to undertake such work. Young people have identified trust between youth organizations and philanthropy as a critical first step toward dismantling these barriers. 

Philanthropy must be cognizant of the unique needs and challenges facing youth. 

Youth organizations are operating across incredibly diverse geographies, undertaking initiatives that are geared toward specific contexts and needs. In some parts of the world, youth feel restricted from grants due to ongoing conflict or political polarization. 

To raise ambition around youth engagement in the energy sector, philanthropies should prioritize supporting youth efforts across ages, geographies, and backgrounds while avoiding tokenistic and superficial efforts. Increasingly important is the need to recognize the unique context surrounding Indigenous-led initiatives while encouraging funding to support the integration of Indigenous knowledge into policy and practice. 

This lack of access to philanthropic funding can inevitably restrict youth organizations’ ability to maintain and scale their operations within the energy sector. This roundtable and its findings provide evidence-backed starting points to increase awareness among climate philanthropists of the needs of young entrepreneurs in the energy sector, ultimately spurring the global energy transition through innovative and impact-driven partnerships. 

At Student Energy, we believe that we can always further the just energy transition, and the role youth play in that transition, by pointing to positive examples where we see youth-led change already taking place. This blog explores how four diverse countries—Kenya, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Timor-Leste—are promoting youth involvement in climate and energy issues, reflecting on the unique approaches and common themes that characterize their efforts.

Kenya

Kenya, a country that has faced significant environmental challenges, has been proactive in engaging its youth in climate action and energy transition. The involvement of young people in these areas is seen as crucial not only for addressing current environmental issues but also for ensuring a future that young Kenyans feel they will be adequately represented in.

Youth in Kenya demand stronger action on climate change.

One of the key platforms for youth engagement in Kenya is the Kenya Youth Climate Action Network (KYCN). This network brings together young people from across the country to advocate for climate action and participate in environmental decision-making. KYCN members are involved in policy discussions, climate forums, and environmental campaigns, ensuring that youth voices are heard at both local and national levels. The Youth Congress of Kenya provides another important avenue for youth engagement. This platform gives young people the opportunity to engage with policymakers on various issues, including climate and energy. By amplifying youth voices in national development processes, the Youth Congress plays a vital role in ensuring that the perspectives of young people are included in decision-making.

Kenya has made significant strides in ensuring youth representation in climate policy-making. The National Climate Change Council includes youth representatives, ensuring that the concerns and perspectives of younger generations are considered in national climate policies and strategies. This inclusion is further supported by the Kenya Climate Change Act, 2016, which mandates the participation of marginalized groups, including youth, in climate-related decision-making processes.

Ireland

Ireland, a country with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, has been at the forefront of involving youth in climate and energy decision-making. Recognizing the importance of youth perspectives, Ireland has implemented a range of initiatives to ensure that young people are active participants in shaping the country’s environmental policies.

One of the key initiatives in Ireland is the National Youth Assembly on Climate, which brings together young people from across the country to discuss climate issues and provide input into national policies. This assembly ensures that youth voices are heard in shaping Ireland’s climate action plans, allowing them to contribute to the country’s response to climate change.

Scenes of Dublin, Ireland and the homepage for Comhairle na nÓg.

Ireland has a strong tradition of supporting youth organizations that focus on climate and energy issues. Comhairle na nÓg, a nationwide initiative, gives young people a voice in the development of local and national policies. Members of Comhairle na nÓg have been involved in discussions on climate action and environmental policies, contributing to the country’s efforts to address climate change.

Youth representation in policy-making is a key priority for Ireland. The country appoints Youth Delegates to the UN, who represent Ireland at international forums such as the UN Climate Change Conference (COP). These delegates ensure that the perspectives of Irish youth are brought to the global stage, advocating for stronger international action on climate change. Ireland’s Climate Change Advisory Council also includes youth representatives, ensuring that the concerns of younger generations are considered in the country’s climate policies. This inclusion is a reflection of Ireland’s commitment to intergenerational equity and the recognition that young people have a vital role to play in shaping the future.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands has taken significant steps to involve youth in the country’s energy transition and climate action. The Dutch government recognizes that young people are essential stakeholders in achieving the country’s sustainability goals and has implemented various initiatives to ensure their active participation. The Youth Climate Summit is one of the key platforms for youth engagement in the Netherlands. This summit brings together young people from across the country to discuss climate challenges and propose solutions. The outcomes of these summits are often presented to government officials and integrated into national climate strategies, ensuring that youth perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.

The Netherlands also appoints Youth Delegates to the UN, who represent the country at international forums such as the UN Climate Change Conferences (COP). These delegates play a crucial role in bringing the perspectives of Dutch youth to global climate negotiations, advocating for stronger international action on climate change. Dutch youth have been actively involved in the drafting of the National Climate Agreement, which outlines the country’s strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Youth organizations were consulted during the development of this agreement, ensuring that the perspectives of young people were included in the final policy.

The Dutch Youth Council (NJR) is another important platform for youth engagement in the Netherlands. The NJR represents Dutch youth in various policy discussions, including those related to climate and energy. By collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations, the NJR ensures that youth voices are considered in decision-making processes. The Dutch government’s Climate Agreement includes provisions for the participation of young people in its implementation. The agreement recognizes the importance of intergenerational equity and the role of youth in achieving the country’s climate goals. Additionally, the National Youth Policy emphasizes the involvement of youth in all areas of national development, including environmental sustainability and energy.

Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste, a young and developing nation, has been increasingly recognizing the importance of involving youth in decision-making processes related to climate change and energy. While the country is still building its institutional frameworks and capacities, several initiatives have been launched to engage young people in these critical issues. The National Youth Council of Timor-Leste (CNJTL) serves as a platform for young people to engage in discussions on national policies, including those related to the environment and sustainable development. The council advocates for the inclusion of youth perspectives in decision-making processes at both local and national levels.

Mangrove restoration projects are an essential part of Timor Leste’s resilience plan.

Timor-Leste’s National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), which focuses on climate change adaptation, has involved youth in its consultations and planning. The program acknowledges the role of young people in building resilience to climate impacts in communities across the country. Timor-Leste’s government, in collaboration with NGOs, has integrated environmental education into the school curriculum, teaching students about climate change, energy conservation, and sustainable practices. Programs focused on Climate Resilience and Adaptation Training, often supported by international organizations like the UNDP, equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to address climate-related challenges in their communities. This and more is outlined in Timor Leste’s National Adaptation Plan that outlines how the country will meet the challenges of climate change and foster resilience among its citizens in the process.

Youth in Timor-Leste are actively involved in community-based initiatives, such as Mangrove Restoration Projects and agricultural adaptation initiatives. These projects not only contribute to climate adaptation but also provide young people with opportunities to engage in environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture practices.

A Shared Commitment to Youth Engagement

Across Kenya, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Timor-Leste, there’s a shared belief that youth must be involved in climate and energy decisions. Despite different approaches, the core idea is the same—youth are essential stakeholders, not just future leaders. 

These countries show that when young people have the platforms and support to engage, they can make a real impact. As we tackle climate change, the voices and actions of young people are crucial for shaping a sustainable future.

To learn more about how you can further the just energy transition in your community, head to www.studentenergy.org/research and get reading! We have numerous youth-focused reports that will help you build your energy transition toolkit!

Anushka Nagle 

Anushka’s Youth Energy Narratives story focused on the role of Indian Waste-pickers in the circular economy. In urban India, the alarming statistics of waste production paint a grim picture of environmental degradation and public health risks. With approximately 62 million tonnes generated daily, the majority remains uncollected and untreated, contributing to air, soil, and water pollution. Delhi, a prime example, grapples with over 8,700 tons of municipal solid waste daily.  Less than 10% of this waste is segregated and treated, highlighting large systemic challenges. Nagle conducted two case studies exploring the impacts of cooperative waste management services in two different cities in India to inform her final recommendations. Her presentation highlights that addressing India’s waste crisis necessitates a holistic approach, involving consumers, government bodies, NGOs, and entrepreneurs. Her recommendations shine light on the importance of community based solutions that are responsive to the needs of the community they are being implemented in as well as the need to include community members in climate action incentives. 

According to Anushka, when it comes to climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, it is crucial to put the spotlight on marginalized communities, especially waste-pickers, who play a vital role in keeping our cities cleaner. As stated in her project summary, “By prioritizing [waste-pickers’] upliftment, we not only improve their lives but also tackle environmental degradation head-on. It’s imperative to recognize the intersectionality between social equity and environmental sustainability in tackling India’s waste woes.”

Cathleen Jeanty

Cathleen’s story titled The Revolution Will Be Underwater, is a foray into the world of youth climate activism. Last year marked the midpoint to The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ 2030 agenda, where Goal 13, climate action, has really taken center stage. Climate change is on everybody’s lips, but the action – in the view of most young people – is missing.  The piece features perspectives of young people across the globe, who are often sidelined in climate policy making processes. It is an amalgamation of interviews with youth climate activists and policy leaders; surveys with youth activists; data; and research. The story delves into an issue that data and research have shown largely impacts young people: climate-induced migration. It is part narrative, part editorial, and part prescriptive, and offers feedback from young people who have lived experience of what it’s like to be on the frontlines witnessing how climate change can reorient your community. The recommendations from her story are centered around building more pathways for young people to turn their advocacy into actionable policy by earmarking funds to invest in youth-led climate ventures. 

Amanda Nogueira Moreira de Souza

Amanda’s narrative details her connection to her land as a young person from Latin America and how this relates to broader conversations and action plans calling for a sustainable energy transition. Amanda’s story highlights the destructive and unsustainable nature of lithium mining in Brazil and its impacts on Indigenous communities’ access to food, clean water, and safety. Her recommendations call for an equitable and just energy transition that considers the impact to those living in Latin America. As stated by Amanda, “It is essential to not finance projects to further lithium extraction in those regions, provide financial support and resources to those currently being affected by it, and raise awareness of the issue at the international level.”

Abul Bashar Rahman 

Bashar’s narrative for the Council was explored through a five-part podcast series where he interviewed young people with a variety of educational and working backgrounds to discuss how they take action on climate and energy within their sectors. From sustainable transportation to equity and energy justice, Bashar’s podcast highlights the power of young people taking action in the sustainable energy transition and the need for more senior-level organizations and people in positions of power and decision-making roles to meaningfully include young people as stakeholders in the energy transition. Bashar’s final recommendations are centered around the importance of empowering local climate resilience initiatives by investing in local leadership development and capacity building and encouraging the development of knowledge exchange platforms and educational resources for youth and community members. These were developed based on his experience as a young person whose immediate family in Bangladesh has been displaced as a result of climate change, the lessons he learned from his journey cycling across Bangladesh to amplify the voices of the people affected by climate change, and, of course, the stories he heard in recording his podcast for the Youth Energy Narratives Council. 

Adebambo Micheal

Micheal’s story showcases how community solar projects are providing clean, renewable energy access and economic opportunities to everyday people, especially youth, in rural areas of Nigeria. His recommendations are centered around increasing investments in decentralized renewable energy solutions to support rural electrification and ensuring that electricity access programs are gender-inclusive and meet the specific needs of local women and girls. 

If you are interested in reading the Council’s recommendations, please contact us at research@studentenergy.org 

CHECK OUT OUR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Highlights

Here’s a sneak peak to our 2023 Annual Report!

From our Board Chair

From our Executive Director

2023: Our Impact at a Glance

Here’s a glimpse of Student Energy’s 2023 impact in numbers:

• Global Reach: Our Programs Ecosystem (7 active programs) engaged a total of 826 participants from 116 countries, 78 of which are developing economies.
• Youth Empowerment: Supported 9 global youth delegations at prestigious events, and 407 youth delegates from 95 countries attended SES 2023, the largest youth-led energy summit.
• Global Community Engagement: Reached 32,730 people through our global Chapters network, with a membership of 4,369 students from different universities across the world.
• Mentorship, Early Career and Project Development: 32 graduates completed the first cohort of the Guided Projects program, received 1,604 Career Training and 1,063 Fellowship applications from youth interested in joining our capacity-building and mentorship-oriented programs.
• Networking: Spoke at 34 panels and events in the climate and energy space worldwide, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) UAE, Climate Week NYC, and Africa Energy Forum, among others.
• Recognition: Received 3 individual awards and one organizational accolade, “Best Nonprofit Employer: Youth Advancement for an organization with 20+ staff”, awarded by CharityVillage.

5 accomplishments we’re celebrating:

1. Successfully hosting SES 2023 in Abu Dhabi, bringing together 407 young people from around the world.

Making history as the first International Student Energy Summit held in the MENA region – a global hub for energy, SES 2023 featured 407 youth delegates from all over the world to meaningfully collaborate with sector and community leaders on energy solutions. We are proud to work with several partners for the first time, including Bezos Earth Fund, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), and coordinated with NYU Abu Dhabi and the COP 28 UAE team as the Summit took place as an official side event of the UN Climate Change Conference for the very first time.

2. Activating a first cohort of youth-led clean energy projects in solar PV through the Guided Projects program and expanding the program’s offerings and reach.

With 32 graduates from 6 teams representing Kenya, Canada, and Peru, the Guided Projects program provided teams with the firsthand experience of developing solar PV projects to solve local energy problems in their communities. After a successful first cohort, Student Energy focused on retooling and securing additional resources for the program’s continuation in February 2024.

3. Releasing and disseminating our first round of the three research projects with active stakeholder engagement throughout.

Under Student Energy’s newly launched Research and Youth Engagement program, we launched the Global Youth Energy Outlook (GYEO), the Youth Impact Framework, and the Energy Transition Skills Project.

VIEW THE REPORTS

4. Integrating mentorship as a core aspect of our Programs Ecosystem, offering our youth network platforms to build connections through mentorship offerings.

Mentorship is the foundation of the Student Energy Career Training (SECT) program, and regional and language-specific mentorship is necessary and achieved through individual recruitment from program coordinators who are globally dispersed.

5. Amplifying youth-led action on energy on global stages and decision-making spaces

Student Energy attended 23 global energy and climate events, including the New York Climate Week, Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, and the Africa Energy Forum among others. We participated as speakers and moderators at 34 events, and hosted 11 events at COP 28 and the Student Energy Summit. We acted in an advisory capacity for several youth councils, and hosted the very first Youth Energy Narratives Council under the Research and Youth Engagement portfolio.

We’ve got so much more in store for you! Explore our 2023 Annual Report:

STUDENT ENERGY'S 2023 ANNUAL REPORT 

Thank you for standing by us as we empower the next generation of leaders in driving a just and equitable energy future! Your continued support fuels our mission and inspires us every step of the way.

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Khan Sonia Tewah is the Vice President of the Student Energy Chapter at the University of Buea in Cameroon and is a 2023 Student Energy Fellow.

At her University, she strives to empower and mobilize students to address pressing energy challenges and foster a sustainable future. With a background in Environmental Science and Occupational Health and Safety and currently pursuing a master’s degree in Natural Resource and Environmental Management, Sonia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her endeavors. Her academic pursuits, combined with her involvement in various fieldwork activities, have instilled in her a deep appreciation for the importance of energy and its impact on the environment. Khan Sonia’s passion for environmental education is evident through her involvement in organizing workshops and campaigns that highlight the significance of energy conservation and clean technologies. She actively engages with communities, raising awareness about the importance of sustainable energy practices and advocating for environmental protection.

Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Khan Sonia is an active participant in the Mock EMS Delegate, representing her country, Cameroon. This experience amplifies her understanding of international climate negotiations and the need for inclusive and just solutions to combat climate change.

Interested to start a Student Energy Chapter at your university? Head over to Starting a Chapter!

The Youth Council’s recommendations are intended to help climate philanthropists better understand youth perspectives and consequently shape their priorities to become more responsive to the needs of youth, as youth are among the most climate-vulnerable groups globally.

Between September 2023 and March 2024, the Youth Council will focus on:

• Conducting research, synthesizing their own knowledge, and engaging in Student Energy-led workshops to prepare actionable recommendations for climate philanthropists to effectively engage with young people.
• Developing their initial findings and recommendations into a creative story to be shared on the ground at the Student Energy Summit 2023 (SES 2023) in Abu Dhabi; using SES as an opportunity to liaise with other young people and climate and energy leaders on the ground to receive feedback and further improve on and enhance their pieces.
• Presenting their recommendations to Student Energy’s partner organizations, with support from Student Energy in February 2024, incorporating learnings from SES 2023 in the Council’s final set of recommendations.

Meet the 5 Youth Energy Narratives Council

Abul Bashar Rahman

Bashar is an Economics student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) carrying a quiet passion for climate solutions. Hailing from Bangladesh, a nation deeply affected by climate change, he has sought to understand the resilience of his people better.

As a youth delegate at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, he noted the disproportionate representation of Bangladesh as compared to the impact of climate change on its people. Passionate about equitable climate solutions, he is utilizing storytelling to advocate for climate-vulnerable communities in the Global South. One of the ways is through a heartfelt project where he cycled across Bangladesh, absorbing tales of hope and hardship. He’s also working on an atlas, weaving in stories of change from climate-impacted communities with an emphasis on the Global South.

His dedication has led him to humbly represent Bangladesh, Stories of Change, and UBC through multiple platforms. Bashar hopes to share the stories of those often unheard in the larger discourse on climate change.

Cathleen Jeanty

Cathleen is currently an Innovation Fellow at The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; the Director of Communications at the Progressive Democrats of New Jersey; a Chapter Co-coordinator at Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation’s (WCAPS) New York chapter, a National Climate Fellow at Change the Chamber; and a globally emerging leader for climate action. She is also a United States LCOY delegate, where she will be drafting the 2023 U.S. National Youth Statement on Climate.

In the past, she was a Public Information Editor at the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, an Obama Organizing Fellow, and the Assistant Media Coordinator at the Campaign for a National Presidential Youth Council. She has been a youth delegate at various summits at The World Bank, The United Nations, NATO, and The International Monetary Fund.

Adebambo Micheal

Micheal is a dynamic renewable energy professional driven to expand energy access and sustainability in marginalized communities. Hailing from Nigeria, he earned his B.Sc in Physics from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta. His undergraduate studies and thesis project focused on solar energy applications.

Micheal is passionate about driving innovation in clean energy technologies to uplift lives in underserved areas. He has hands-on experience as a solar technician and installation engineer designing and deploying solar PV systems to electrify homes, businesses, and villages. He also participated in STEM education outreach initiatives and drug abuse prevention programs.

He aspires to pioneer affordable clean energy solutions, advance renewable energy adoption on a national scale, and train youth to lead sustainability efforts across Africa.

Anushka Nagle

Anushka is a final-year Architecture student on a transformative journey driven by a passion for sustainability and a curiosity about innovative ecological technologies and materials. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom as she actively seeks opportunities to collaborate with a diverse global community of like-minded individuals.

Her mission is crystal clear: she is driven to bridge the gap between theory and practice, leveraging the collective wisdom of professionals worldwide to tackle common global challenges. 

She aims to unite people together towards a greener, more sustainable future—a journey where architecture and ecological consciousness converge to reshape the world for the better. She believes that together, we can embark on a voyage of exploration, innovation, and the practical application of sustainable solutions in our daily lives. 

Amanda Nogueira Moreira de Souza

Amanda is a Black Brazilian woman raised in a favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At the age of 17, she received a full scholarship to study for two years at United World College (UWC) ISAK in Japan, where she concluded her high school education. A first-generation student and the first person in her family to live and study outside of Brazil, she is now a junior at Macalester College in Minnesota, where she is pursuing a double major in Political Science and Environmental Studies.

In all three countries Amanda has lived in — Brazil, Japan, and the US, she dedicates herself to working for equity, racial justice, and Indigenous rights. She participated in Black Movements, founded a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) committee in Japan, and currently works to empower Afro-Latinos in the United States.

She has a range of experiences – from sailing for a month from Hawaii to California where she researched plastics and how they disproportionately affect Indigenous communities, to becoming an intern at the Great Plains Institute in Minnesota during the 2023 legislative session where she advocated for clean transportation, to becoming an intern at The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota where she crafted an inventory of tribal engagement and created a best practices guide on how the organization can conduct work with tribal nations.

During the summer of 2023, Amanda received a full scholarship to participate in the Youth Assembly through the Climate Entrepreneurship Package held by the New York University (NYU). She had the opportunity to celebrate International Youth Day at the UN headquarters in New York and participate in a series of workshops on climate change. Recently, she interviewed Hindou Oumarou, Chadian Environmental Activist and Geographer, for the ActNow film which will be showcased in the upcoming COP28.

Meet the former president of the Student Energy Chapter at Monterrey Institute of Technology (Tec de Monterrey) – Benjamin Betancourt Tovar! He was president of the Chapter from August 2022 to July 2023. Currently, he is studying Nanotechnology Engineering at his University in Monterrey, Mexico.

“In January of 2023, I had the opportunity to be selected and attend the 13th IRENA Assembly as an IRENA Youth Delegate in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In the same event, I was able to participate in the IRENA Youth Forum: The Next Generation of Decision Makers, where I was part of a panel discussion, expressing how we, the youth, face challenges in the development of science, innovation and technology for energetic affairs. Apart from the assembly, the Youth Delegation had the opportunity to attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and visit Noor Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest stand-alone operational solar plant. During my trip, I was thrilled to meet new people from all over the world with different perspectives, meet high level representatives from different organizations and also to learn about the energetic sector developments and challenges from IRENA representatives from all over the world. After this exciting experience, I came back to Mexico with fresh ideas and motivation to design and implement solutions in my community towards the youth-led energetic transition, working within my chapter and also in the development of “ANSE: México Joven por la Energía” [Mexican Youth for Energy], a youth-led energy network within Mexico!” – Benjamin Betancourt Tovar

Interested to start a Student Energy Chapter at your university? Head over to Starting a Chapter on our website and fill out an Expression of Interest form!

The ASES Solar conference held space for presentations, discussions, and speakers for both working professionals and youth to co-learn about social justice aspects of the energy sector– such as women in solar, intergenerational discussions on mentorship, and youth entering the labour market to name a few. The event ran from August 8-11th but I arrived in Boulder on the 10th, leaving me with little time to enjoy the rest of the conference. I was, however, lucky enough to listen in on a “Young Professionals” panel discussion on youth sharing their strategic ways on networking, and navigating their early career challenges in the renewable energy sector. The latter half of the session allotted for a rotating speed networking session with the youth panelists, where I participated and learned some common, yet relevant challenges that young people face in entering the green jobs market. Youth with backgrounds in engineering, public policy, and STEM research find it challenging to find meaningful work, and shared various ways such as pitching project ideas or research topics as a way to show their initiative and proactiveness in their work-learn opportunities and internships. Connecting with these young professionals informed me the same stories of all other young people globally who are passionate change makers, and have grit to make meaningful difference in the energy transition movement, but are struggling to enter the industry. Feeling even more inspired by this experience, I channeled the same level of positivity into delivering Student Energy’s workshop that speaks to the very nature of this conversation– how young people can enter the energy transition labour market. 

The workshop drew key insights from Student Energy’s recently published report “Energy Transitions Skills Project” and its own 14 years of youth engagement to provide some actionable recommendations on how youth can take hold of their own energy careers. I walk through the importance of reflecting values, desires, and skills before job searching as a way to remind young people what is important to them when selecting a career; and relating their values to the labour market demand will make it easier for them to target their job search. Later, I facilitated a storytelling session where participants pitch their stories amongst themselves as a practice run for future networking opportunities with industry professionals. While there was low attendance in the workshop, the youth who participated were very engaged and happy to share their stories and connect with one another. 

Sharing recommendations to young people to be part of the energy movement gives me joy as I was in the same position a couple of years ago–I did not know how to apply my own unique skills and lived experiences in the energy transition industry, and felt severe imposter syndrome as a result. I still am continuously navigating through this rhythm of learning collectively as I engage with other youth on how we can intercept high-level decision-making spaces, and make our voices heard through our work. From learning about energy education through the Leaders Fellowship Program, to now working as Research and Youth Engagement Special Projects Coordinator, Student Energy has expanded my potential in the way I see myself, and how to creatively apply my own unique skills in the energy space. This experience has given me the opportunity to connect with other brilliant minds that give me the optimistic feeling of a positive transformation of the energy industry, and preparing for the next generation of leaders to confidently reclaim and re-write their futures. 

Student Energy’s Shakti Ramkumar, Senior Director of Policy and Communications, had a conversation with Chris Palliser, host of The SolarPVcast podcast by Shift Energy Group in a podcast episode “Empowering Future Leaders: Student Energy’s Impact on Sustainable Energy Transition” published August 4 on Spotify and YouTube. The conversation delves into how Student Energy, a global, youth-led non-profit organization, is empowering young people to become leaders accelerating the transition to a just and equitable energy future.

The conversation begins with the humble beginnings of Student Energy – how a team of three students (Janice Tran, Kali Taylor, and Sean Collins) in Calgary back in 2009 managed to build the world’s largest organization working on energy with a network of 50,000+ global youth 14 years later. Starting with the first International Student Energy Summit, the founders successfully brought together 350 young people from over 30 countries to gather in Calgary and provide a space for collaboration alongside world leaders and energy experts. And so, Student Energy was born as a non-profit with a mission to empower aspiring young leaders to take an active part in a just energy transition.

Shakti shares the organization’s many initiatives, including the impact of Student Energy’s programs ecosystem engaging thousands of global young people in building the skills, education, training, and project development experience to empower them in tackling various energy, climate, and equity issues both at a local and global level. In particular, Shakti talked about Student Energy’s Guided Projects program, with the first cohort installing solar PV projects within their local communities in varying contexts. A pre-pilot solar PV project was successfully installed by students at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton, Alberta before the official cohort launch. Led by students Jack Harding and Ethan Buchanan, power generated from the solar array is now being sold to the University, and the students are using the proceeds to fund their Chapter’s work. Since then, the Guided Projects program brought on six teams from all over the world as part of the first cohort. Two of these solar projects are now successfully installed – the Shames Mountain team providing power for a community-owned ski hill in Northwestern BC, and the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) team’s project aiming to electrify Gachororo Primary School in their community in Juja, Kenya.

At the core of Student Energy’s work is education. The aim is to demystify the energy system by leveling the playing field on who gets to understand the energy system by simplifying technical jargon, making energy education accessible to anyone, and empowering people to feel comfortable explaining the energy system. The Energy System Map, the Energy 101 series on Student Energy’s social media platforms, and energy education videos on Student Energy’s YouTube channels are the many ways the organization shares educational resources so anyone can be empowered to learn about the energy system.

Listen to the full podcast on Spotify and watch the full episode on YouTube!

Spotify

YouTube