ECLIPSE
when youth and communities align, real change begins
We bring together schools, community organizations, and local leaders to connect learning with real world action. Through these partnerships, ECLIPSE builds youth leadership ecosystems where young people are heard, trusted, and actively involved in shaping solutions to local challenges.
Rooted in environmental justice, civic engagement, and stewardship, ECLIPSE supports a future where young people help make the decisions that affect them most.
why ECLIPSE?
Many systems were built without young people in mind. As a result, they are often left out of leadership and local decision making.
At the same time, young people care deeply about their communities and the environment. They bring ideas, energy, and lived experience, but they do not always have clear opportunities to lead or be heard.
ECLIPSE was created to change that.
It helps schools and communities work together so young people are not just learning about issues, but actively participating in shaping what happens next.
the meaning behind the name
Why "ECLIPSE"?
The name ECLIPSE stands for Empowering Civic Leadership to Inspire Progress through Student Engagement. The program uses the metaphor of a solar eclipse to describe its mission. Just like a solar eclipse brings powerful forces into alignment, ECLIPSE creates the conditions for systems, educators, and youth to work together in new and meaningful ways.
The Sun: Community Systems and Challenges
The Sun represents the systems and challenges communities are already working to address, such as waste, water, air, health, and civic participation. These systems are always present and shape the context for learning and action.
The Moon: Youth Leadership in Motion
The Moon represents youth leadership as an active and evolving force. Young people bring new ideas, lived experience, and energy that move across systems, seeking opportunities to contribute and lead.
Why "ECLIPSE"?
The name ECLIPSE stands for Empowering Civic Leadership to Inspire Progress through Student Engagement. The program uses the metaphor of a solar eclipse to describe its mission. Just like a solar eclipse brings powerful forces into alignment, ECLIPSE creates the conditions for systems, educators, and youth to work together in new and meaningful ways.
The Sun: Community Systems and Challenges
The Sun represents the systems and challenges communities are already working to address, such as waste, water, air, health, and civic participation. These systems are always present and shape the context for learning and action.
The Moon: Youth Leadership in Motion
The Moon represents youth leadership as an active and evolving force. Young people bring new ideas, lived experience, and energy that move across systems, seeking opportunities to contribute and lead.
how ECLIPSE works
ECLIPSE provides the structure and support needed to turn youth interest into real participation and leadership.
We work alongside schools and community partners to make this possible in practice.
For students, this means:
- working on real environmental and community challenges that affect their lives
- collaborating with local partners to design and carry out projects
- sharing ideas with decision makers and taking part in local conversations
- building skills, confidence, and a stronger sense of connection to their communities
For educators and partners, this means:
- curriculum that connects learning to local issues and priorities
- coaching and support to guide student-led, project-based work
- partnerships that bring real world experience into the classroom
- shared responsibility so this work is sustainable over time
Together, this creates the conditions for youth leadership to take root, grow, and remain part of how communities learn, plan, and take action.
ECLIPSE in action
Pueblo, CO
ECLIPSE launched its first full-scale partnership in Pueblo, Colorado in 2025.
Being in these spaces shows our students that their voices matter beyond their school; it shifts how they see themselves as leaders and how we show up as educators for them.
PARTICIPATING EDUCATOR
ECLIPSE is growing
We are working with schools, community organizations, and local leaders who believe young people should play a real role in shaping the future.
If that sounds like you, we would love to talk.
invest in climate democracy
Your Capital. Our Community. A Resilient Future.
Solving the climate crisis requires more than new technology; it requires a leap in participatory democracy. Your investment in the Climate Democracy Initiative (CDI) builds the civic infrastructure—from youth policy curricula to community negotiating tools—that ensures local voices aren't just at the table, but leading the conversation. CDI is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) public charity. Your partnership is fully tax-deductible. (EIN: 92-0943342)
Deploy capital to the frontlines of civic action. Make a secure one-time investment, become a monthly sustainer, or dedicate a gift to a civic champion. Your support allows us to equip communities with the training they need to respond to rapid development pressures in real-time.
