Walking Softer Education is a free program designed for high school-aged youth to learn about sustainability and lead community-based environmental solutions. Participating groups learn about specific environmental issues and solutions, then take action by planning, designing, and implementing a community sustainability project. Walking Softer provides up to $2,000 in project funding, a $1,000 teacher stipend, and participating juniors and seniors are eligible for a scholarship up to $20,000.

How it works:

Any high school class, club, or out-of-school-time educational program is eligible to participate in the program. Teachers who take groups through the learning activities and facilitate a community project will receive a stipend of $1,000.

1. Groups are required to complete four engaging, NGSS-aligned lessons on the Walking Softer website, covering the environmental topics of rewilding, sustainable food systems, and material waste management.
2. Teachers complete the registration process online in order to be eligible to receive up to $2,000 of project funding and a $1,000 teacher stipend.
3. Following the onboarding process, groups pick a project to design and implement in their community. Walking Softer will distribute funds for groups to execute their project plans after they submit their completed project "How-to Guide" and an invoice.

In addition, high school juniors and seniors participating in Walking Softer Education are eligible for a scholarship of up to $20,000 should they choose to apply sustainability to their academic and professional future (2-year, 4-year, or trade school eligible)!

Click here to sign up for the 2024/2025 school year!

What teachers are saying about Walking Softer Education: “I love how the lessons perfectly align with my state's learning standards that I am required to teach for high school Biology. The lessons are engaging for students and allow them to think and problem-solve real world and local issues in their communities.”