Top: Image courtesy Commission for Environmental Cooperation

The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) announced the second cohort of its youth-focused Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP) in July. The program includes a year of mentorship, training in public speaking, marketing and project management, guidance from experts, and several networking opportunities, including attending the CEC’s annual Council Session in Mexico City at the end of July. Each selected youth team also receives C$15,000 in seed funding to amplify the impact of their solutions in local communities. The 2025 GELP cohort comprises three teams, one each from Canada, Mexico and the United States, selected “for their creative and impactful solutions to support North American communities and preserve our shared waters, lands and air,” notes CEC. The cohort selected from the U.S. is “Youth-Led Food Waste Solutions” created by Let’s Go Compost, which “tackles the food waste problem in U.S. public schools by offering a low-cost, student-led composting program,” explains founder Lauren Click. “Our work is designed to overcome financial and infrastructure barriers, train students and staff, integrate composting into school operations and partner with local facilities. The program fosters environmental education and reduces landfill waste while supporting long-term sustainability without ongoing reliance on external funding.”