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This project collects the best Indiana high school journalism about the climate crisis and related environmental challenges and solutions, and features those stories on Indiana Environmental Reporter. With this statewide exposure, young journalists receive more attention for their work, as well as build a stronger community.

In January of 2022 we were delighted to receive financial support from Earth Rising Foundation.

For a list of stories published, see below.

The Team:

Allie Skalnik

Allie Skalnik is a Senior at University High School in Carmel, Indiana. She is a Junior Editor of her school's newspaper, The U-Post. She is passionate about the environment and was able to work on a Lit Search for the Nevada Nature Conservancy and lead environmental clubs such as EcoBlazers and the Gardening Club. She is part of her school's FIRST Robotics team, the String Orchestra, and student government.

SOFIE ALGE

Sofie Alge is a Senior at West Lafayette High School. She enjoys writing articles for her school website, as well as being on yearbook staff. She was recently appointed co-communications director of the Confront the Climate Crisis Campaign, and enjoys volunteering at her local theatre in her free time. Sofie is excited to inspire environmental change as well as amplify the powerful youth voices in her community through this opportunity.

ADVISORS:

Angel Akinleye

Now at Howard University in her Freshman year, Angel was foundation to starting ECI’s Youth Environmental Press Team. She has pursued her interest in environmental advocacy with Earth Charter Indiana since 2017, she was the U.S State Department Youth Ambassador to Brazil in 2019 and served on Indianapolis Mayor's Youth Leadership Council. In June of 2021, she received national recognition as a Student Leader from the USGBC and Green Schools National Network Best in Green Schools Awards.

Elizabeth Valadez

Now at Indiana University in her Freshman year studying political science, Elizabeth Valadez served as YEPT’s first Editor-in-Chief. She graduated from Southport High School in Indianapolis where she was the Editor-In-Chief of her school’s newsmagazine, The Journal.

Adult advisors

Beth Edwards, Indiana Environmental Reporter

Beth Edwards is an award winning journalist and documentary filmmaker working for the Indiana Environmental Reporter. Her previous work includes projects for Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Amazon, Rolling Stone, National Geographic, as well as many others.

Jim Poyser, executive director of ECI

Before coming to ECI in 2013, Jim served as an editor at numerous publications, including The Bloomington Voice, Breeze Magazine, Indiana Living Green and NUVO Newsweekly. His essays were published throughout the alternative newsweekly circuit and beyond.

Are you a high school journalist interested in joining us? Contact Jim at jimpoyser@earthcharterindiana.org

Published stories:

To the test, Dec. 10, 2020, Southport High School’s ‘The Journal Rewired’

Students, staff, practice living sustainably, discuss importance of environmental movement, Jan. 4, 2021, Carmel High School’s ‘Hi Lite’

Climate change requires lifestyle changes, Jan. 25, 2021, Floyd Central High School's ‘The Bagpiper’

An Interview With Young Leaders Around the State, Feb. 24, 2021, Scarlette-West Lafayette Student News

The Psychology of Climate Change, March 6, 2021, U Post of University High School

The life of a piece of paper: From your test to your toilet paper, March 24, 2021, Delphi Community High School Parnassus

SHS Students tackle climate change head on, April 2, 2021, Shortridge High School ‘Daily Echo’

This SHS story is the first to be adapted and produced by Public News Service. You can read and listen to it here.

Indiana Youth Move Mountains, April 26, 2021, U Post of University High School

Declaring a Statewide Climate Emergency, May 5, 2021, Scarlette-West Lafayette Student News

Microplastics: The Silent Killer, May 25, 2021, The Connersville Clarion

Meat should be treated more like junk food…, May 27, 2021, Carmel High School’s ‘Hi Lite’

The Secret Behind the Success of These Climate Activists, Aug. 26. 2021, a stand-alone assignment from IER by YEPT Team Leader Allie Skalnik

A Summer of Activism, Sept. 14, 2021, a stand-alone assignment from IER by Gabriella Schuetz.

What’s up with the water? Monroe algae bloom creates funky flavors, Nov. 2, 2021, Bloomington High School South’s ‘The Optimist’

Senior Jonathan Siskind inspires peers with speech, Nov. 10, 2021, Scarlette-West Lafayette Student News

How the Youth Ambassadors Fight Climate Change, Dec. 21, 2021, U Post, University High School.

Students volunteer to help protect public lands in Carmel, Jan. 27, 2022, Carmel High School HiLite

IN Students Push for Climate-Justice Task Force, Feb. 11, 2022, Public News Service, with original reporting from Elkhart High School’s The Pennant

Indiana High School Students Take Action to Fight the Climate Crisis, Feb. 22, 2022, Elkhart High School’s ‘The Pennant’

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