Youth-Led Change: BVSD Students Lead the Way in Equity and Sustainability

In the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), student voice isn’t just encouraged—it’s essential. This fall, two dynamic student-led organizations—the Green Youth Council and the Youth Equity Council—will be welcoming new middle and high school members. Applications are now open, offering a unique opportunity for students to lead meaningful change across the district.

Green Youth Council: Students powering climate action

The Green Youth Council is a student-led team dedicated to elevating youth voices in sustainability and environmental decision-making in BVSD. Created as part of the Green BVSD Action Plan, the council plays a vital role in climate initiatives across the district.

“Student involvement and learning is at the heart of all the work they do,” shared Ghita Carroll, BVSD’s Sustainability Coordinator and organizer of the Green Youth Council.

In 2024, a major milestone was met when the Colorado legislature passed the Seal of Climate Literacy. The seal indicates a commitment to sustainability, the environment and climate literacy and is an accolade that sets students apart in future college and career paths. 

The BVSD Green Youth Council helped develop the evaluation standards for BVSD seniors hoping to earn the seal and their work was instrumental in program's successful first year.

Learn more about the Seal of Climate Literacy

Council leader and Boulder High School student, Isabel Ramirez-Aguilar reflects on her experience, “Through the Green Youth Council, I was able to meet so many people and create such amazing connections.” She also attended the inaugural Colorado State Youth Climate Summit in Carbondale, which she remembers as one of her favorite moments from the year.

From policy to action, the Green Youth Council continues to model what youth-led climate leadership looks like in BVSD. 

Learn more about the Green Youth Council on the greenBVSD webpage, and apply to join via the link below. Applications for the 2025-26 school year are now open!

greenBVSD Green Youth Council (GYC) Invitation Form

Youth Equity Council: Centering student voices for a more equitable BVSD

The Youth Equity Council (YEC) is another powerful student-led group working to make BVSD more equitable and inclusive. Focused on real change, the Council is composed of students passionate about bringing equity to every level of the school system—curriculum, hiring practices, student voice, and beyond.

Fleurette (Flo) King, BVSD’s Director of Equity and Inclusive Teaching and Learning, is looking forward to recruiting new members this fall, “I don’t like to have numbers just to have numbers, but for purpose,” she says, emphasizing the importance of passionate and driven students joining the team.

Already, the Youth Equity Council has led or influenced several major efforts in BVSD, including:

• Supporting the launch of Ethnic Studies classes across the district
• Advocating for equitable hiring and retention of diverse staff
• Centering mental health as a key priority for BVSD schools

This year, the Council plans to collaborate with BVSD's foundation, Impact on Education to fund new projects, including the Student of Color Summit, a day-long conference where students will present and YEC members will help lead its planning and execution.

These two student councils are shaping BVSD’s future—and they need new members who are ready to lead. If you're a middle or high school student looking to make an impact, keep an eye out for application information coming soon.

The passion, creativity, and drive of BVSD students continues to inspire and push our district forward. Whether through environmental sustainability or educational equity, these student leaders are living proof of the district’s commitment to amplifying youth voices and building a better future—for everyone.

The BVSD Youth Equity Council is currently accepting new applications from 8th-12th graders in BVSD. The deadline to apply is September 17, 2025.

Students who are interested in social change, inclusion, & belonging, are encouraged to apply. Learn more on the Youth Equity Council webpage.

2025-26 Youth Equity Council Application