Last year, MCE hosted our inaugural Because of Youth Festival at Contra Costa College. We invited high school and college students from Marin, Solano, Napa, and Contra Costa to explore climate justice pathways in their local community.
Our first Because of Youth Festival proved that when we give young people the right tools and opportunities, they’re ready to lead the way toward a more sustainable and just future.
We focus on youth to bring fresh energy to the climate justice movement by putting young people front and center. We created a space where youth could see themselves as tomorrow’s leaders while connecting with green career opportunities today. The festival’s mission was simple but powerful: empowering young people through community action while celebrating their creativity and focusing on education and equity.
Zoe Simms, Bay Area Youth Climate Summit
One of our youth ambassadors, Zoe Simms from Bay Area Youth Climate Summit, shared how important education is as a first step in the fight against climate change.
“It’s really important to raise awareness about climate advocacy and any action no matter how small, can contribute,” she said. The Because of Youth Festival connected Zoe and her peers to professionals and showed them how youth can be powerful activists by using social media, finding opportunities to contribute in their communities, and influence their peers to also act.
Srihita Panati, MCE Intern
Srihita Panati, an MCE Intern describes how climate action begins as a grassroot effort in her community. Taking small actions like recycling, using bags from home, and composting all put together creates a large impact.
This event helped connect young people, like Srihita and others, to opportunities in their local community they were unaware of and empowered them to explore.
“One thing I’m inspired to do is connect with more local organizations because I didn’t know they existed.” (Srihita Panati, MCE Intern).
2026 Because of Youth Festival
This year, we’re bringing that energy to Vallejo’s Earth Daze event in partnership with the City of Vallejo. Inspired by how today’s youth connect, the event creates space for young leaders to share their stories and engage in authentic ways. Attendees can explore jobs and internships, experience an electric vehicle showcase, and enjoy games for the whole family. We want this to be an opportunity to learn, explore, and connect with others passionate about climate action.
We will also honor youth through our Because of Youth Impact Award. Young people from Solano, Contra Costa, Napa, and Marin have been nominated for their incredible environmental work. We’re excited to celebrate them at the event and on social media to highlight the innovation happening across our communities.
Follow our social media @mcecleanenergy to learn more about the Because of Youth Impact Award winners.
