Founded in 2021 and based in Mount Vernon, the Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities with the knowledge and tools to understand climate change, address its challenges, and seize emerging economic opportunities. ELOC’s mission is to ensure that socially and economically disadvantaged communities are equipped to adapt to the increasingly unpredictable impacts of climate change. As these communities are expected to bear the brunt of climate disruptions, it’s essential to educate and prepare the next generation of leaders to create solutions and advocate for sustainable change.

ELOC incubates the next wave of environmental advocates, entrepreneurs, and innovators through educational programs in underserved areas. Since its inception, ELOC has trained nearly 500 students from under-resourced communities in Westchester County, NY. Despite the rising awareness of extreme weather events, data shows that high school students in the most climate-impacted areas are not pursuing enough STEM or environmental studies courses.

As a result, students are graduating without the skills needed to access new career opportunities in the growing green sector, and communities are lacking home-grown leaders to drive local climate action. To address these twin challenges, ELOC collaborates with community organizations each summer to enroll underserved high school students in the Student Summer Energy and Environment Program for Teens (SSEPT). Additionally, ELOC offers year-round programs like the Technology & the Environment Advanced Computer Program and the Student Environmental Ambassador Don’t Strain Your Drain Campaign, which encourages residents and businesses to prevent plumbing damage by properly disposing of used cooking oil, grease, and fats.

Through these efforts, ELOC is building a pipeline of skilled, passionate leaders ready to create a sustainable future for their communities.