It's For You

Become an agent of change

Applications for this programme are now open - you can visit www.elp2.uk to find out more

Who is the Environmental Leadership Programme for?

The programme is free and open to anyone who is:

  • 18-25 years old.
  • Is living, working or studying in the West Midlands region
  • Is passionate about making a difference, wants to launch their green career, or is interested in becoming a green leader
  • Available for sessions from October 2023 for 9 months.

This programme is specifically designed to be inclusive and open to all. So whether you are from an ethnically or culturally diverse background, are LGB, Trans or Non Binary, identify as working class, or have a disability we will support you and ensure the programme works for you.

What will I get out of the programme?

During the programme, you’ll take part in expert-led, online workshops on topics such as nature connection, making political change, energy and climate change, and sustainability. Through these workshops, you’ll become part of a supportive, experienced community of professionals and other young people, all focused on the environmental sector. We’ll help you develop your leadership skills and kickstart your green career through interview skills development, advice on CV and cover letter writing and career insight panels with professionals. As well as this, we’ll provide you with the tools to run a nature connection campaign. 

Through the original ELP, we supported over 500 young people. Our participants set up and ran a wide range of social action campaigns. Here are some examples of what they achieved:

Sustainable Water Use Birmingham 

Sustainable Water Use Birmingham were launched in 2020. They create free water management E-toolkits for businesses and individuals. Since their formation, they have attended Highbury Sustainability Festival in June 2021 and created a webinar entitled ‘Water Scarcity: The Environmental Issue and What You Can Do’ in collaboration with University of Birmingham Guild of Students Ethical and Environmental Officer. 

Swap Plastic

Swap Plastic was formed in 2020, and their aim is to raise awareness about plastic use. Last year, they hosted a webinar with Dr Mohamed Abdallah (Lecturer in Environmental Sciences at University of Birmingham) entitled Microplastics: Should We Be Concerned? 

Postcards From The Future

Postcards From the Future launched in 2021, and are a campaign which raises awareness about climate change's impact on young people and children. Their campaign has now grown into Create The Future, who aim to empower, inspire and educate on the climate crisis through imagination and creativity. They are currently running a writing competition. 

I think the fact that the programme was so focused on environmental sustainability, made me realise that I had a really, really big passion for this. And that I wanted to have a positive impact in the world.

- Maria, UpRising ELP 2016 Participant.