The Tomorrow Project - Closing the Gap in Environmental Education

By: Alie McDougall
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For many, living a low-waste or sustainable lifestyle, can seem daunting and/or expensive. When in reality, this lifestyle is both attainable and becoming more and more necessary to the health of our planet. These conceptions of a low-waste lifestyle may be fueled by a lack of knowledge or understanding of pressing environmental threats. Yet, as ocean temperatures continue to rise and plastic pollution mounts, the traditional school curriculum neglects to address the climate challenges that we are facing today as a society. This leaves the next generation with limited resources to address these issues as we make our way in the world.

Countless studies have shown that children ages 6-14 are most impressionable as they are surging through a series of developmental advances in regards to identity. This crucial point in childhood provides a unique opportunity to develop the ideals, mindsets, and habits that shape one’s future. Climate education at this young age has the potential to shape and reshape young minds in regards to our environment and with our own specialized curriculum, The Tomorrow Project is attempting to do just that.
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The Tomorrow Project, founded by four high schoolers from Seattle Washington, is a by-youth, for-youth nonprofit dedicated to instilling sustainable habits in the rising generation through unique classroom and online curricula. Although our roots are in Seattle, the organization has grown to encompass more than 75 volunteers and nine chapters spanning from coast to coast. We partner with elementary schools in order to design individualized lesson plans and workshops that fit the specific needs of each school. Through interactive discussions and activities, our curriculum challenges students to recognize threats to our environment and offer ways for them to combat them. In doing so, we hope to inspire these future doctors, CEOs, lawyers, and more to make conscious decisions throughout their lives in favor of environmental protection.

With Covid eliminating the opportunity to work with students in a classroom setting, we have shifted our focus to creating digital content for teachers, parents, and students alike. Structured activities, a board game, and a Youtube series are only some of the content we are offering on our website. Climate education is part of the fight against rapid climate change and by normalizing sustainability and making curriculum more accessible for the next generation, we are making steps towards the green future we wish to see. 
Visit The Tomorrow Project website to access our resources, learn more, or donate. Follow our instagram to stay updated as new curriculum rolls out and online events are scheduled!