Students from across Alberta are being recognized for tackling environmental issues in their own communities, thanks to a provincial grant program aimed at turning classroom learning into real-world action.

The Environmental Student Action Challenge Grant, funded by the Government of Alberta, supported 13 student-led projects at 11 schools in 2025. The initiative gives young people a chance to identify local environmental concerns and design hands-on solutions — from improving air and water quality to supporting biodiversity and sustainable land use.

“The Environmental Student Action Challenge is a great program that inspires and engages students in the science they’re learning in the classroom and putting it to use in a hands-on way to make a difference in the environment around them,” said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, in a May 30 news release. “We should all be inspired by these young leaders and all their hard work to keep protecting Alberta’s environment.”

This year’s projects included a sustainable agriculture initiative in Diamond Valley, habitat restoration work on the Nose Creek watershed in Airdrie, and a Calgary-based investigation into water quality in wetlands. Students ranged from kindergarten to Grade 12.

A Celebration of Learning event was held at Bow Habitat Station, where students shared their findings with classmates, teachers, families and community members.

Elyse Schlichter, a French immersion teacher at A.E. Bowers Elementary School in Rocky View Schools, said her students have been fortunate to receive funding two years in a row.

“The funding allowed us to turn big ideas into real-world projects,” she said, pointing to efforts like designing a 3D-printed garbage collection device for Banff National Park and planting pollinator gardens. “These experiences brought science, innovation and environmental stewardship to life in ways that traditional classroom lessons simply cannot.”

The Environmental Student Action Challenge is coordinated by Bow Habitat Station. A total of $13,000 in funding was distributed this year.

Applications for the 2026 round of grants will open in September. Schools across the province are encouraged to apply. For more information and to access the application guide, visit Bow Habitat Station’s Environmental Student Action Challenge page.