Igniting a Youth Movement for Climate Action: Board President Ben Wilson Shares His Vision for CAPS
Ben Wilson (center) stands among CAPS staff and board of directors. April 2023.
By making historic investments in the development of climate-resilient schools, California has sparked a momentous movement among young people who are actively contributing to the nationwide push for climate action. Legislative action and statewide coalitions are mobilizing to promote environmentally-friendly campuses, positioning California at the forefront of global climate initiatives.
By providing career education and workforce readiness programs for high school students that help them mitigate climate change in their school district, Climate Action Pathways for Schools (CAPS) is part of the critical work to drive more equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities. Ben Wilson is the president of the board of directors and has been involved with CAPS since its inception in 2019. Ben’s unwavering commitment to CAPS early on and his strategic growth and development experience have played a pivotal role in establishing CAPS as a crucial force in the ongoing fight against climate change. In this interview, Ben reflects on the driving forces behind his involvement and shares his vision for CAPS as it prepares to expand.
What initially inspired you to get involved in CAPS?
I initially got involved with CAPS through close friends that founded the organization. With my entrepreneurial background, I assisted CAPS with developing long-term strategies for scalability. CAPS’ mission immediately resonated with me because climate change is an issue that requires sustained efforts over the long run. Cultivating and guiding the next generation of climate leaders and professionals is an amazing leverage point on the trajectory of our planet's future.
The opportunity to work alongside individuals I knew would make a difference was a major motivating factor for me. Moreover, I was inspired by my children, who are actively involved in the environment. Their example underscored the importance of this mission not only for me but also for future generations.
CAPS student interns, board of directors, and staff tour school infrastructure in Porterville. April 2023.
What makes CAPS’ approach to mitigating climate change and engaging student leaders unique? How does this further your impact on students and communities?
Climate change is a complex issue that impacts almost every aspect of our lives. CAPS understands that as we move forward, climate considerations will become increasingly intertwined with everything we do.
What makes CAPS unique is that we start early on in people's lives and introduce them to opportunities for green careers. CAPS provides valuable guidance and support to students to help them understand the range of opportunities available to them for making a positive impact on climate change. Almost every student that I’ve met is passionate about mitigating climate change. CAPS programming taps into the passion many students already possess and helps them channel that into a career path dedicated to creating change on a global scale.
What are you most looking forward to for CAPS? What do you hope to see CAPS accomplish in the long term?
In the next year at CAPS, I am most looking forward to implementing our program in several new school districts. Our work with Porterville has been incredibly exciting and crucial for our future, as it served as a foundational learning opportunity for CAPS. However, expanding into different school districts will provide us with a unique opportunity to witness the impact of our approach on a wider scale.
One of the key aspects of our program is training a future green workforce while simultaneously helping schools reduce their own impact on the environment. As we introduce CAPS to different schools, we will have the chance to observe how our approach influences and benefits these diverse districts. Each school district will have its own unique challenges and requirements, and it will be important to see how we will have to adapt and evolve to meet their specific needs.
I also envision CAPS forging strong partnerships with various organizations looking to reduce the impact of climate change, including government agencies, foundations, and corporations. Through these partnerships, we can collaborate to develop a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that can contribute effectively to mitigating climate change.
CAPS partnered with Accenture to develop a market report, which included guidance on the critical partnerships we need to build in the coming year. We see these corporate and other types of partnerships as critical in achieving our mission. Partnerships will allow CAPS to expand its reach beyond California and collaborate with multiple school districts across various states.
Donate today to support critical climate action in school communities!