New Hampshire's premier annual energy conference for local energy champions, policymakers, municipal officials, state agencies, and industry representatives. LOCAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS (LES) CONFERENCE The annual conference is NH's premier energy event for local energy champions, policymakers, municipal officials, state agencies, and industry representatives. REGISTER HERE LES26 AGENDA LES26 SPEAKERS LES26 SPONSORS LES26 EXHIBITORS 2026 SPEAKERS BETSEY ANDREWS PARKER Community Action Partnership of Strafford County SARAH BROCK Clean Energy NH KATHARINE CUSACK Clean Energy NH JAKE FELSER Reservoir CYNTHIA HOISINGTON Barrington Energy Committee CHRIS KOLB Hillsboro Area Renewable Energy Initiative MATT O'KEEFE Unitil SARAH SHEMKUS Canary Media CAROLYN SWEET Keene Housing CLIFTON BELOW Lebanon Energy Advisory Committee KYANA BURGESS Clean Energy NH DEANA DENNIS Community Power Coalition of NH VIGGO FISH McLane Middleton STEVEN HOPENGARTEN National Grid STEVE LIEBER Affinity LED ALEC O'MEARA Unitil NICHOLAS SHOSTAK Freedom Energy Logistics ELI TERRY PACE Equity STEPHEN BIRD UNH Carsey School of Public Policy LAUREN COLLINS CLINE MICHAEL DAVEY Energy Efficient Investments ROGER GINGRICH Barrington Energy Committee KATRIN KASPER Clean Energy NH ERIN MAYFIELD Dartmouth College TOM PALMA Unitil JAMES SPALDING Sustainable Energy Advantage JACK WADE NH Department of Environmental Services TIM BOULDRY- SALINASMIRANDA NH Department of Environmental Services GABE CHELIUS Clean Energy NH SAM EVANS-BROWN Clean Energy NH TODD GRISET Preti Strategies JESSYCA KEELER Ski NH MATT MYER BOULTON Monadnock Sustainability Hub ROBERT REESE Massachusetts Institute of Technology ROB SULLIVAN Siemens 2026 Speakers 2026 SPONSORS 2026 EXHIBITORS 2026 Sponsors 2026 Exhibitors 2026 2025 EVENT PHOTOS Capturing the moments of the event was courtesy of Rooted in Light Media . 2025 PRESENTATIONS INTERACTIVE DIGITAL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS FROM PAST CONFERENCES Did you miss the conference the past couple of years? Well, you're in luck. We've compiled a playlist of all our main speaker sessions on YouTube along with past conference programs. 2025 Contact List & Presentations 2025 Conference Interactive Digital Program 2024 Conference Audio Recordings 2024 Conference Interactive Program

New Hampshire’s leading clean energy advocate. We're dedicated to supporting policies and programs that strengthen our state’s economy, protect public health, and conserve natural resources. LEADING THE CHARGE FOR A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE Educating concerned residents, organizations, and community leaders. Advocating for New Hampshire's clean energy transition. EXPLORE : COMMUNITY RESOURCES VISIT RESOURCES DRIVING A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE Working toward a clean energy future here in New Hampshire is a big responsibility, and far too large for one person or organization to tackle alone. So we've built a coalition of clean energy champions, made up of local communities and residents, elected officials and leaders, and organizations committed to a more sustainable future, who are on the front line building a cleaner, greener future right here in the Granite State. BUILDING ENERGY POLICY CONSENSUS To make the successful transition to clean energy, we need structural solutions. The best way to do that is to work with our local elected officials, because they have the power to make New Hampshire a leader in responsibly developed clean energy policy. And as a watchdog at the state agency that regulates essential utility services, the legislature, and around the state, Clean Energy NH has been critical in creating and defending the state's foundational policies that encourage developing an educated workforce, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. BECOME PART OF NEW HAMPSHIRE'S LEADING CLEAN ENERGY COALITION "Energy is a complicated issue. Clean Energy NH is doing an amazing job trying to educate everybody - from legislators in Concord to municipalities, homeowners associations, and our cities and towns. And I think the only way that this is going to be successful is if we're all working on this as a group, as a team, and working on it together. Clean Energy NH pulls everybody together and really does look at this as a system. I'm proud to support Clean Energy NH." - Steve Walker, Evari WILL YOU HELP US MAKE THE CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION? A YEAR OF PROGRESS. A FUTURE OF POSSIBILITY. From communities and businesses to the State House, Clean Energy NH is helping lead New Hampshire’s clean energy transition. Explore our 2025 Annual Report to see the progress we’ve made, the people and communities we’ve supported, and what’s ahead. EXPLORE THE ANNUAL REPORT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER Never miss the latest news, action alerts, recommended reading, events, and more. SUBSCRIBE JOIN US AT AN UPCOMING EVENT Women in Energy: A Morning of Connection & Networking Nov 12, 2026, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 700 Elm St, Manchester, NH 03101, USA Register 2026 Local Energy Solutions (LES) Conference Nov 12, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 700 Elm St, Manchester, NH 03101, USA Register BECOME A MEMBER Show your support by becoming a member and joining us in the fight to build a cleaner, greener Granite State! JOIN OUR COALITION EXPLORE CLEAN ENERGY INSIGHTS & UPDATES Learning by Doing: Youth Climate Leaders Tackle Local Climate Challenges Written by Sophia Danforth, Executive Director of the Vermont Energy Education Program and New Hampshire Energy Education Program Students don’t need to wait until they’re adults to make a real difference on climate. In the Youth Climate Leaders Academy, high schoolers pick a problem in their own school or town, build a plan, and see it through, with plenty of twists and lessons along the way. At the New Hampshire Energy Education Project (NHEEP), we believe that people under Clean Energy NH Oct 28 3 min read Find the Magic in Energy Education with NHEEP “I’m going to do a magic trick. Are you ready?” NHEEP educator Angie Krysiak flipped the classroom light switch, and the lights came on. Some kids snickered, others rolled their eyes. “Okay, so it’s just the lights coming on. But who can explain to me what happens when I flip the switch?” The kids looked at each other, unsure. Finally someone raised a hand and suggested “the electricity goes through the wires?” “Yes! And can anyone tell me how the electricity got into the wi Clean Energy NH Aug 3 4 min read All Solar Big and Small: Plug-In Solar is Coming to New Hampshire The future of solar PV in New Hampshire is brighter as New Hampshire’s Governor signs Senate Bill 540 (SB540) into law making access to solar almost as easy as plugging in a toaster. This summer, New Hampshire became one of the first states in the nation to create a clear legal pathway for safe deployment of plug-in solar. SB540, signed into law by Governor Kelly Ayotte on July 2nd, allows Granite Staters to install small solar systems up to 1.2 kW that plug directly into a q Clean Energy NH Jul 15 6 min read Clean Energy Leader business members are industry leaders committed to transforming New Hampshire's energy future. CLEAN ENERGY BUSINESS LEADERS WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS! APOLLLO ATOMICS

OUR TEAM Meet the team leading New Hampshire's clean energy transition. SARAH BROCK Energy Circuit Rider Program Director Contact & Bio KYANA BURGESS Communications & Marketing Manager Contact & Bio GABE CHELIUS Energy Circuit Rider (Grafton County & Upper Valley) Contact & Bio DOUG COGAN Energy Circuit Rider (Sullivan County) Contact & Bio KATHARINE CUSACK Policy & Partnerships Coordinator Contact & Bio MELISSA ELANDER Energy Circuit Rider (North Country) Contact & Bio SAM EVANS-BROWN Executive Director Contact & Bio KATRIN KASPER Energy Circuit Rider (Seacoast Region) Contact & Bio RACHEL MALKIN Events & Administrative Coordinator Contact ANNA LI PREBLE Membership & Donor Services Specialist Contact & Bio FRANK RICHTER Energy Circuit Rider (Monadnock Region) Contact & Bio BETH SAN SOUCIE Deputy Director: Director of Operations & Development Contact & Bio CHRIS SKOGLUND Director of Energy Transition Contact & Bio Anchor 1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS JINJUE ALLEN Granite Source Power DANIEL CLAPP ReVision Energy; Chair DORI DRACHMAN Monadnock Sustainability Hub HON. MARTHA FULLER CLARK JOHN GARGASZ Aspire Residential Vice Chair JULIA GRIFFIN; Immediate Past Ch air MARY LOU KRAMBEER MLK & Company Secretary RICHARD LABRECQUE Agilitas Energy DULCIE MADDEN Dig Energy MATTHEW MAILLOUX ClearPath Energy JAY MCFARLAND McFarland Hyundai JOHN MORISON Hitchiner Manufacturing MERCEDES OLSTER Eversource Energy UMBERTO PIANA Enel North America MEGHAN SEMIAO Copia Power CARLETON SIMPSON Unitil Treasurer ERIC WORTHEN Worthen Industries Board of Directors STAFF BIOS & CONTACT SEB Bio SAM EVANS-BROWN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BIO Sam leads Clean Energy New Hampshire in its effort to create a cleaner, more affordable, and more resilient energy system in the Granite State. Sam grew up in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Prior to joining Clean Energy New Hampshire in 2021 he was a podcast host and radio journalist for nearly ten years, during which he wrote stories about New England energy issues extensively and won several regional and national awards. He's an excellent bike mechanic, a Spanish speaker, and a father of two. Sam graduated with a B.A. from Bates College in Politics and Spanish in 2009. CONTACT BS Bio BETH SAN SOUCIE DEPUTY DIRECTOR BIO Beth serves as Deputy Director of Clean Energy NH, a role she has held since October 2021. In this capacity, Beth leads the organization's operations and development efforts, working to strengthen CENH's impact and long-term growth. She oversees internal operations, membership engagement, event planning, and the organization's digital and traditional media presence. Before joining CENH, Beth served as Director of Communications at Stay Work Play NH, a nonprofit focused on attracting and retaining young talent in New Hampshire. CONTACT CHRIS SKOGLUND DIRECTOR OF ENERGY TRANSITION BIO Chris joined the Clean Energy NH team in January 2022 as the Director of Energy Transition, a role in which he will serve as the specialist in matters of policy and implementation of those policies, and will lead the organization’s intervention at the Public Utilities Commission. Most recently, he was the Climate and Energy Program Manager at the NH Department of Environment Services and was a central part of strategic climate and energy policy initiatives at the local, state, and regional level. Chris holds a Bachelor’s in Biology from Johns Hopkins University and a Master’s in Environmental Conservation from the University of New Hampshire. In his free time, he can be found completing the replacement of his yard’s traditional landscaping with vegetable gardens and a diverse polyculture orchard. CONTACT CS Bio ME Bio MELISSA ELANDER ENERGY CIRCUIT RIDER (NORTH COUNTRY) BIO Melissa Elander worked as an Energy Auditor and Weatherization Project Manager in the North Country of New Hampshire before joining Clean Energy NH. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Plymouth State University and a Master's of Arts in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development from American University. CONTACT GC Bio GABRIEL CHELIUS ENERGY CIRCUIT RIDER (GRAFTON COUNTY & UPPER VALLEY) BIO Gabe Chelius joined CENH in May of 2022 helping small businesses in the North Country access funding streams for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. In 2024 Gabe’s area of operation expanded to include rural small business and farmers across New Hampshire in accessing the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funds for their energy investments. Gabe holds his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science & Policy from Plymouth State University. CONTACT AP Bio ANNA LI PREBLE MEMBERSHIP & DONOR SERVICES SPECIALIST BIO Anna Li (first name) Preble (last name) joined Clean Energy NH in January 2023 as the Administrative Assistant. After a year with the organization, she has stepped into a new role as the Membership Coordinator. In this role, Anna Li will serve as the liaison between Clean Energy NH and its members. She's thrilled to take on this new role and foster relationships with valued members. CONTACT KATRIN KASPER ENERGY CIRCUIT RIDER (SEACOAST REGION) BIO Katrin joined Clean Energy NH in February of 2023. She has a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Management from UNH. She grew up in the Upper Valley but found her home on the Seacoast. She is passionate about transitioning to clean, efficient, affordable energy that we can rely on. She is excited to assist the Seacoast in taking advantage of all the incredible resources that are available to aid in that transition. Katrin can be found enjoying this lovely planet by gardening, bird watching, or hiking in her free time. CONTACT SARAH BROCK CIRCUIT RIDER PROGRAM DIRECTOR BIO Sarah Brock joined Clean Energy New Hampshire as Director of CENH's Energy Circuit Rider Program in 2024. Sarah works with our growing team of Energy Circuit Riders to help municipalities and small businesses plan, finance, and implement clean energy and energy efficiency projects. Prior to joining Clean Energy New Hampshire, Sarah spent over a decade implementing community-based climate, energy, and transportation programming at Vital Communities, a nonprofit serving the Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire. While at Vital Communities, Sarah was actively involved in the New Hampshire Local Energy Solutions Work Group and Conference. Sarah lives in Warner with her husband and two daughters. CONTACT DOUG COGAN ENERGY CIRCUIT RIDER (SULLIVAN COUNTY) BIO Doug has lived in Plainfield for more than 35 years, where he has served on the local school board, conservation commission and as a local weather observer. He wrote a book in 1992 on business and investment responses to climate change and has devoted his career to promoting clean energy investments -- first with large investors like universities and pension funds and now with schools and communities at the grassroots level. Doug loves being outdoors on foot, bike or skis, and enjoys nature photography. He wants to "bend the curve" on climate change to benefit future generations, including his two sons, one of whom teaches elementary school in Cornish. His other son is farther afield -- presently conducting orangutan research in Borneo, Indonesia! CONTACT FRANK RICHTER ENERGY CIRCUIT RIDER (MONADNOCK REGION) BIO Frank Richter joined Clean Energy NH in March of 2024. He has a BA in Economics from Bates College. He grew up in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire, enjoying all that it has to offer in outdoor activities. Having done significant energy efficiency retrofits on his own properties as well as installing PV on his home, he hopes to help towns see for themselves the rewards of completing similar projects in their communities. In his free time, Frank enjoys skiing, hiking, kayaking, and biking with family and friends. CONTACT KYANA BURGESS COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER BIO Kyana joined Clean Energy NH in April 2024 as the Communications Coordinator. In this role, she supports the advancement of the organization’s strategic communication goals and digital media presence. Her previous experience includes directing legal research and community-based advocacy efforts, as well as managing projects focused on implementing sustainable initiatives and strengthening global outreach development. Kyana graduated with a B.A. in Anthropology and Sustainability from the University of New Hampshire. CONTACT KATHARINE CUSACK POLICY & PARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR BIO Katharine joined Clean Energy NH in April 2024. She's enthusiastic about collaborating closely with small businesses and farms across the state to assist them in accessing USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funds for their clean energy and energy efficiency projects. Outside of work, you will find her wandering up a mountain, traversing a gravel bike path, carving down ski slopes, scaling a bouldering wall, or browsing through outdoor gear stores. As someone who spends most of her free time outdoors, she is passionate about the transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy, aiming to leave New Hampshire better than she found it. Katharine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Saint Anselm College. CONTACT Katrin Bio Sarah B Bio Doug Bio Frank Bio Kyana Bio Katharine Bio

When Josh Green took a six-week grant writing class in Keene, he had no idea it would lead to a historic moment for the Town of Hinsdale. Less than a year later, Hinsdale secured $200,000 for its first-ever solar project, bringing long-term energy savings and sustainability to the community. As Josh stepped into his role as Community Development Coordinator, he knew Hinsdale had untapped potential but understood that making a meaningful impact would require access to the right resources. In late 2023, he and newly appointed Town Administrator, Kathryn Lynch, enrolled in a six-week grant writing course. Having to choose a grant to focus on writing during the course, Josh sought to use his new skills to apply for the NH Department of Energy (NH DOE)’s Municipal Solar Grant. His project centered on proposing the implementation of a PV (photovoltaic) solar array at the Hinsdale transfer station. Proposed placement of the Hinsdale solar array “I was fortunate because the request for proposals (RFP) for Municipal Solar kept getting delayed, which allowed me ample time to prepare a strong grant application,” he states. “The classes taught by Suzanne Bansley in Keene were excellent, and I highly recommend them.” Josh is driven by a deep commitment to strengthening his community and paving the way for a more sustainable future. He explains how his interest in energy efficient projects that benefit the town, along with key support from others, helped bring the project to life: “As a Community Development Coordinator, my passion is to make Hinsdale as energy-efficient as possible. In my view, the town lacks a future vision for infrastructure. I received invaluable assistance from Clean Energy NH circuit riders John Kondos and Frank Richter. John initially helped me select a suitable location for the solar project, and after his retirement, Frank took over. I could not have completed the grant application without their support, and I am extremely grateful for all their hard work.” Their efforts paid off. After submitting their proposal in early August 2024, Hinsdale was awarded $200,000 by the NH DOE through the grant program on September 17, 2024. “When we received notification of the award, I was in disbelief—I was so excited! This is a historic moment for the Town of Hinsdale, as we will be receiving solar arrays for the first time.” The arrays are projected to save approximately $20,000 to $25,000 annually in electricity costs over the next 25 to 30 years. This is a significant benefit for a small town of 4,000 residents. The impact will help Hinsdale become less reliant on the grid, resulting in lower energy bills and enhanced energy security—ensuring a stable and sustainable power source for residents. Solar energy is a renewable resource that does not emit any of the pollutants that traditional energy sources do, leading to cleaner air and water and improved public health. The solar grant didn’t just bring funding, it also sparked teamwork across departments. Implementing cross-department collaboration, with the Highway Department and Transfer Station, for example, helped provide a different perspective and set of expertise that determined the best siting opportunities and rollout for the project’s implementation. Josh also cited the benefits of working with reliable solar companies such as Barrington Power, to help guide the town towards the best options for their proposal. The momentum for other projects has already started. Conversations about solar and energy efficiency are spreading, from solar arrays on the sewer plant’s roof to implementing energy efficient lighting at the local school. Even the town hall is undergoing an energy efficiency audit with NHSaves. “There’s so much opportunity to improve on the existing structures we have,” Josh states. The town is currently waiting, along with all other New Hampshire communities awarded Municipal Solar Grant money, for the grant to be administered through the NH DOE. When the time comes, the town will be ready to continue the momentum. “The town’s current administration has a passion to move this town forward,” says Josh. “The future vision hasn’t been here for many years, and projects like this spark possibilities for that future into life. We’re ready to continue moving forwards.” Find Clean Energy NH's Community Resources here. Learn more about Clean Energy NH's Energy Circuit Rider (ECR) Program here.

In the town of Randolph, a big idea began with a request. Yvonne Jenkins, a dedicated Randolph resident and Town Librarian, approached the selectboard with a vision: installing solar panels on the local library. The selectboard encouraged her to look into how it could be implemented, setting off a remarkable journey that would lead to significant energy savings. (photo credit: Randolph Public Library) The Power of Community Support Yvonne wasn’t alone in her pursuit. Fellow resident Rick Umiker shared her enthusiasm for solar energy. With determination and a little help from Clean Energy NH’s Energy Circuit Rider Melissa Elander, who provided examples and technical support, they drafted a warrant article to create and fund a Energy Efficiency Capital Reserve Fund — all within a single day. The fund was created “for the purpose of covering costs or to seek matching grants related to increasing energy efficiency”. They quickly gathered signatures from neighbors, earning their spot in the town report. When the day of the vote arrived, the response was unanimous: The town would move forward on solar and energy efficiency. "The CRF was a game changer," Rick explained. "Having a designated fund meant we could plan for the long-term, ensuring that our energy projects had financial backing. It also showed the town’s commitment to reducing energy costs and embracing sustainability." The CRF was approved with strong community support, giving the selectboard confidence to approve further projects. It also allowed the town to leverage additional funding and rebates, amplifying their impact. That pivotal vote wasn’t just a win for clean energy projects in Randolph: it also sparked a wave of community involvement. Resident Howie Wemyss and two other residents eagerly joined Yvonne and Rick’s efforts to establish the Randolph Energy Committee. One major milestone was the establishment of a Capital Reserve Fund (CRF) through a petitioned warrant article. The CRF would serve as a dedicated financial resource to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects within the town, controlled by the town rather than an outside funding source. The Committee wrote a detailed description of the benefits of the CRF for the official town report, and connected with residents that already utilized solar within their households to garner support for establishing the fund. “We were learning on the go, but during the first town meeting we saw so many people who were receptive to the idea,” Yvonne said. “It was really heartening to see.” Lessons in Efficiency Before diving into the solar project, the Energy Committee prioritized making town buildings as energy-efficient as possible. A lighting audit for the library and town hall revealed opportunities for significant savings. The results were undeniable: within the first year, the town saved 40% on its energy bill without dipping into reserves. The success of the lighting project built trust and further momentum for the solar initiative. Solar Installation (photo taken by Edith Tucker) The Energy Committee continued to learn more as they explored additional energy efficiency projects including energy audits, weatherization upgrades, and the installation of heat pumps. "Find the right people, like Clean Energy NH or a knowledgeable energy auditor. Don’t feel like you have to be an expert in energy — just plan to work with the right people," Yvonne advised. Keeping the Selectboard Informed The Energy Committee recognized that clear communication with the selectboard was essential to moving these projects forward. They sent meeting minutes, extended invitations, and sought approvals at every key decision point. Demonstrating the financial benefits was particularly effective, and the immediate savings from interior lighting and street lighting upgrades reinforced the value of these projects for the town. Facing Challenges and Adapting Not every step was easy. An application to the Northern Border Regional Commission grant program was unsuccessful, and progress sometimes felt frustratingly slow. Yet, the team stayed the course, and used it as a learning experience. They regrouped, identified other funding opportunities, and doubled down on community engagement. Their commitment paid off. A separate insulation project for the library, completed with town funding, a library grant, and rebates from Eversource was a major win for the Committee. As Rick reflected, "I thought we’d have solar panels in six months. But keeping our eyes on the prize, even when it felt distant, was worth it. Gaining the support of the community and selectboard made all the difference." Celebrating Success When the solar panels were finally installed, the town of Randolph didn’t just check it off the list: they celebrated. Residents gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the local newspaper captured the moment. Celebrating the Solar Installment (photo taken by Yvonne Jenkins) The excitement over the possibilities for clean energy projects didn’t stop at Randolph’s town line. Neighboring towns, inspired by the success, began exploring their own clean energy projects. Calls poured in asking how they could replicate Randolph’s approach. The project’s success sparked conversations and action well beyond the town’s borders. Words of Wisdom The Randolph Energy Committee members offer simple but powerful advice for other communities: Document Your Results: Track your savings and milestones to demonstrate impact. Be Flexible: Plans will shift: make the most of unexpected opportunities that arise. Stay Consistent: Even during slow months, keep the committee meetings on the books. New ideas often emerge in conversation, and regular meetings help advance progress! Celebrate Every Win: Publicly acknowledge progress, big or small. Recognition fuels momentum. Find Clean Energy NH's Community Resources here. Learn more about Clean Energy NH's Energy Circuit Rider (ECR) Program here.

Written by Sophia Danforth, Executive Director of the Vermont Energy Education Program and New Hampshire Energy Education Program Students don’t need to wait until they’re adults to make a real difference on climate. In the Youth Climate Leaders Academy, high schoolers pick a problem in their own school or town, build a plan, and see it through, with plenty of twists and lessons along the way. At the New Hampshire Energy Education Project (NHEEP), we believe that people understand things best when they care about the outcome, and can take a hands-on approach. Our focus on “learning by doing” led us to create Youth Climate Leaders Academy (YCLA), a year-long program for high school students who want to address climate change in their communities. Since 2017, YCLA has supported up to 100 students each year as they chose a problem to address, brainstormed solutions, planned and then implemented a project in their school or town. Past teams have pushed for electric school buses, promoted carpooling and biking, cut school energy use through changes to lighting, heating, and behavior, brought solar panels to school roofs, and designed compost and recycling systems. Others have run education and advocacy campaigns to raise community awareness of local challenges and solutions. (For highlights, visit https://veep.org/successstories/.) The program begins with data. Students explore Project Drawdown to see the global impact of different climate solutions, then look at state-specific emissions data to find solutions that are locally relevant and feasible. These tools help teams define their problem and focus their work where they can have the greatest impact. Two days, one big map In early December, teams gather for a two-day kickoff retreat, armed with a climate-change related problem they want to address and a starter idea of how they might tackle the challenge. Teams zoom out to see the whole system around their problem and hunt for root causes they might disrupt or change. Between mapping sessions, students choose skills workshops, from meeting facilitation to fundraising to graphic design, and meet with expert consultants from groups like Clean Energy NH, Efficiency Vermont, and the NH Department of Environmental Services, alongside many others. But ask students what stuck with them and many expand past climate solutions: they stopped feeling alone. They met peers from across two states who care about the same things they do, and built partnerships across town lines that lasted through high school and beyond. Many connect with adult mentors with whom they stay in touch as they move on to college or careers. Twists, turns, and the occasional flop Students leave the retreat with a plan, then spend the rest of the school year putting it into action, with support from NHEEP staff. Sometimes projects are an immediate success. Most take twists and turns. Some appear to be outright failures. But listening to students talking about how the experience changed them, one can see how even the uncertainty can build core skills. "I would not be the same person. Advocacy has provided me with the opportunities to not only learn about the climate crisis, but raise my voice on the issues that matter. This has converted my climate apathy into action." - Taylor Barry "[YCLA] helped me build deep connections with my community and also gain valuable skills that I am using after high school." - Flo Dapice At a time when youth climate summits seem to be cropping up like mushrooms everywhere you look, it’s clear that there’s a need for a gathering space for young people concerned about the future of our planet. What makes YCLA different is that students don't just learn about the problems, they practice planning and carrying out real solutions, and NHEEP trusts students to identify problems that matter, design solutions with multiple benefits, and learn the skills they need to advance those solutions as they go. YCLA alumna Dahlia Cohn notes: “Climate work still seems like it needs to be exterior to your ‘normal life,’ [meaning] your normal schoolwork and normal [home] work afterschool, so you really have to devote a level of energy to act in a way that feels fulfilling, and a level of energy that not everyone has to give. I really just wish that climate work could be more prioritized because leadership shouldn’t be a privilege for only those who are able, it should really be something that everyone has access to.” If you've ever looked around your school or town and thought someone should do something about that, we think that someone could be you. Sophia directs the Vermont and New Hampshire Energy Education Program (VEEP and NHEEP), and leads an incredible team of educators who support youth in understanding energy and taking climate action. Learn more about Youth Climate Leaders Academy at veep.org/ycla