Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund

The Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund – MYCAF – awards small grants, microgrants, of $1,000–$5,000 for youth-led projects.

All projects:

*Take place in the City of Mesa

*Support one or more areas of the Mesa Climate Action Plan

*Are led by two (2) young people, ages 15-24

*Are supported by a Project Advisor and Sponsor Organization

Learn about the positive impacts to Mesa(PDF, 4MB) thanks to MYCAF-funded projects. 

A winning team starts with right people! To complete your MYCAF Project Team, you will need the following:

Two (2) Youth Project Leads

• Two (2) young people, ages 15-24, to lead the project from idea to reality. 
• No limit to the number of youth participants to help with the project. This is your chance to delegate and inspire others – engaging youth volunteers is highly encouraged.

One (1) Project Advisor

• The Project Advisor is the main contact between the Project Leads, Mesa, and the Sponsor Organization.
• Is typically affiliated with the Sponsor Organization but this is not a requirement. 
• Is over the age of 18.
• Ensures Project Leads are meeting grant obligations.
• Offers support to the Project Team.

One (1) Sponsor Organization

• Funds are dispersed to a Sponsor Organization, but young people lead the projects.
• A Sponsor Organization may receive up to three (3) grants for three (3) separate projects.
• Funds cannot be combined or shared between projects.

To qualify as a Sponsor Organization, an organization must: 

• Have non-profit or charitable status
• Be a legally registered entity
• Have a bank account in the organization’s name
• Be able to supply a Form W-9(PDF, 77KB)

Eligible Sponsor Organizations include:

• Youth-led organizations, clubs or groups
• Youth-serving organizations (adult-led organizations supporting young people)
• Schools or other educational institutions, museums, or community organizations

PLEASE NOTE: Private companies, individuals or political parties or party-affiliated organizations are not eligible.

There are expectations for the Project Leads and Project Advisor to ensure the goals from our funder, Bloomberg Philanthropies, are being met.

Project Lead Expectations:

1. Each project must be proposed, designed, and led by at least two (2) Project Leads aged 15-24. There is no limit to the number of young people helping with the project, as long as the majority are between 15-24 years old.
2. Each project must have a Project Advisor and a Sponsor Organization to receive funds.
3. Project must support one or more areas of the Mesa Climate Action Plan.
4. Project must take place within the City of Mesa.
5. Complete two anonymous surveys from Bloomberg, one after project selection and one upon project completion.
6. Handle MYCAF emails in a timely manner. Project Leads under 18 are personally accountable for MYCAF commitments and may not rely on parents/guardians to communicate on their behalf.
7. Submit at least three (3) social media posts to document the project progress, using #MYCAF, or a minimum of five (5) photos to Stacy Bass, City of Mesa Marketing & Communications Specialist, Stacy.Bass@mesaaz.gov.
8. Complete the project by Wednesday, March 31, 2027. This includes all work finished, funds spent, and posts or photos submitted.
9. Submit final microgrant report by April 15, 2027.
10. Immediately contact Kathrine Blomquist, MYCAF Program Manager, Environmental and Sustainability Department, at MYCAF@mesaaz.gov should there be any changes to the team or project.
11. Celebrate creating a more resilient future for all!

Project Advisor Expectations:

1. Ensure the Project Team is on track and meeting their MYCAF obligations.
2. Ensure Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is signed by Sponsor Organization and returned to City of Mesa.
3. Coordinate purchases with Sponsor Organization and Project Leads.
4. Ensure all purchased items fall within Sponsor Organization and MYCAF eligible expenses.
5. Offer guidance, support, feedback, and/or act as a sounding board for the youth-led project. 
6. Reach out immediately to Kathrine Blomquist, MYCAF Program Manager, Environmental and Sustainability Department, at MYCAF@mesaaz.gov, should there be any changes to the team or project.
7. Cheer on the team for creating a more resilient future for all!

Interested in helping the environment? Don’t know where to start? Check out the 2025 & 2024 Recipients and Projects tabs below.

Here are additional project ideas to get you thinking. Use your imagination – this is your project from concept to completion, and your chance to make a difference!

Physical Projects – build a school or community garden; replace outdated lightbulbs with energy-efficient options; create a rainwater harvesting basin; add desert-adapted plants to your neighborhood, church or school; create a public art display; organize tree plantings; hold neighborhood or roadway clean-ups. 

Events and Education – host an outreach event online or in person; host educational events such as a water conservation campaign or promoting the value of trees; organize a bicycle or pedestrian event; hold a waste collection or waste reduction drive; implement energy efficiency measures at your school or other community space. 

Data-based Projects – tree inventories; data research; data collection.

If you are still unsure, or cannot find a Sponsor Organization, reach out and we’ll help make connections: MYCAF@mesaaz.org

Application Process

The application process is online. Project Leads submit project proposals during the application window, August 3 through September 14, 2026. 

A few key items to keep in mind when filling out the application:

• Get creative! Start with the title. “Turn the Tide on Wasting Water” shows more thought than “Save Water.”
• View a sample application(PDF, 510KB) before you get started.
• Have the contact information for the Project Advisor and Sponsor Organization ready to go.
• Project Description and Project Activities and Timeline are each 300-word maximum.
• Indicate project output and outcome(PDF, 99KB) with a numerical target.
• Review the sample project budgets(PDF, 170KB).  
• Signatures of both Project Leads and Project Advisor are required.
• A signed Waiver of Liability(PDF, 908KB) is required for each Project Lead and must be signed by a parent/guardian (if under 18).

Have questions or need help? Reach out to MYCAF@mesaaz.gov

APPLY TODAY

All applications are initially reviewed for eligibility by the MYCAF Program Manager and Bloomberg Philanthropies. Project Leads and Advisors are contacted if any revisions are necessary.

Applications are then reviewed by a local independent selection committee, using the MYCAF Scoring Criteria below. All proposals are evaluated on climate relevance, feasibility, budget clarity, and project impact.

If your project is selected, an email is sent to the entire Project Team with additional information. Congratulations, thank you for creating a more resilient future for all!

Basic Information

What is a grant?
A grant is financial assistance provided by a government, organization, or person for a specific purpose. Unlike a loan, grants do not need to be repaid, unless terms of the funding agreement are unmet or remaining funds are unspent.

How many projects will be selected?
We expect to select 8-40 projects, based on the amount of each proposal and scope of the projects. Each project can receive between $1,000-$5,000.

Can projects be combined?
No. While up to three (3) projects can be granted to the same Sponsor Organization, each project must be separate and unique with different Project Leads. A goal of MYCAF is to include the maximum number of youth possible.

Can I apply for or participate in more than one project?
Project Leads need to be unique to each project. However, the same youth can help out with other MYCAF projects.  

What are the Key Dates?

• August 3-September 14, 2026: Application Window Open
• October 2, 2026: Grant recipients will be notified by this date
• October 27, 2026: Mayor's Event – Join Mayor Freeman and city staff at The Post to celebrate your selection as a MYCAF recipient 
• November: Grant funds will be disbursed to the Sponsor Organizations
• March 31, 2027:  Projects must be completed by this date
• April 15, 2027: Final Microgrant Report submitted by this date

Who funds the Mesa Climate Action Fund?
This work was made possible through the support of the Youth Climate Action Fund, a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

For Youth

What if I need special accommodations, translation assistance or help with the grant?
We are committed to making our programs and services accessible to all. If you need special accommodations, translation assistance, help with your grant or additional information, please contact Kathrine Blomquist, MYCAF Program Manager, Environmental and Sustainability Department, MYCAF@mesaaz.gov.

Nos comprometemos a que nuestros programas y servicios sean accesibles para todos. Si necesita adaptaciones especiales, asistencia de traducción, ayuda con su subvención o información adicional, póngase en contacto con Kathrine Blomquist, Directora del Programa MYCAF, Departamento de Medio Ambiente y Sostenibilidad, MYCAF@mesaaz.gov.

My friend and I want to apply with our project, but we aren’t sure who would be our Sponsor Organization or Project Advisor. Can you help us?
Yes! To request assistance with finding a Sponsor Organization and/or Project Advisor to partner with, please reach out, and we'll help make connections: MYCAF@mesaaz.gov.

I have a great idea, but I am only one person. Can I still apply?
Two (2) youths ages 15-24 are required to lead a MYCAF project. If you need help connecting with another youth, please reach out, and we'll help make connections: MYCAF@mesaaz.gov.

What are the reporting requirements?
Project Leads have two (2) Youth Surveys and a Final Microgrant Report to complete, from our funder, Bloomberg Philanthropies. The youth surveys are completed after project selection and upon project completion. These are anonymous and used to assess understanding of and interest in local policy and climate strategy and well as experiences with the program. The Final Microgrant Report includes the project’s final budget, the number of youth volunteers, and measured outputs and outcomes. Your Project Advisor or Sponsor Organization may assist with final budget numbers. The Final Microgrant report is due by April 15, 2027.

Can teams be larger than 3?
Absolutely. Teams can be any size that is manageable for the timeframe as long as the project is led by at least two (2) Project Leads and the majority of team members are between 15-24. This is your opportunity to lead – designate a social media lead to document your project, rotate shifts at events, have team members join you at meetings.

We have group members who are outside the age range of 15-24. Can they participate?
Yes–as long as the majority of the group is 15-24, additional members outside that age range may participate. 

What if our project ends up not being selected?
We want your application to succeed and will work with you and your Project Advisor to co-design your project ideas. Please contact Kathrine Blomquist, MYCAF Program Manager, Environmental and Sustainability Department, MYCAF@mesaaz.gov, for more information. You are also invited to receive feedback from the Selection Committee.

Our project received a grant last year. Can we apply and request funding to continue the existing project?
Projects must be based on new and original ideas each grant term. MYCAF cannot fund existing or ongoing work. If the project builds on lessons from previous work, like a prior MYCAF project, it needs to demonstrate a clear change from the earlier work.

Project Advisor

Who is a Project Advisor and what is their role? 
A person over the age of 18, related to the Sponsor Organization, must be designated as a Project Advisor. This person is the main contact between the Project Leads and MYCAF/City of Mesa.

Money/Funding Questions

Do we have to pay back the grant?
Grants do not need to be paid back unless the project is not completed on time or there are remaining funds when the project is complete. We work with the entire Project Team and help you along the way!

I have an idea, but I don’t need $1,000 to complete it. Can I still apply?
All projects must fall between $1,000 and $5,000. Look at expanding your project in some way to meet the minimum requirements. Check out the Project Ideas to Inspire You tab for inspiration. Reach out to MYCAF@mesaaz.gov for additional assistance. 

Do I need accounting software for the project budget?
Not at all! Here are sample budgets(PDF, 170KB) for your review. Keep all project expenses within the guidelines. A selected project will have well-researched budget estimates that reflect a clear focus and vision of the project expenses as a whole. 

What happens if we don't finish the project on time?
Mesa and Bloomberg Philanthropies want to make sure all projects are successful! We will check in on a regular basis to connect with your team to make sure you are meeting key milestones along the way. Along with your Project Advisor, we are here to keep you on track to meet the MYCAF obligations. However, if the project is not completed by March 31, 2027, the grant funds must be returned.

There are tools and resources to help you be successful. Check out the Workshops for Success tab for three virtual webinars covering essential topics to ensure your project's success. 

What is a Sponsor Organization and what are the requirements?
MYCAF funds must be dispersed to a Sponsor Organization.  Eligible Sponsor Organizations include youth-led organizations, clubs, and groups; youth-serving organizations; and schools or other educational institutions, museums, or community organizations. The organization must have nonprofit or charitable status, be a legally registered entity, have a bank account in the organization’s name, and be able to supply a Form W-9(PDF, 77KB).

My neighbor would like to sponsor our project. Is this possible?
Individuals, as well as private companies, political parties and party-affiliated organizations, are not eligible to be Sponsor Organizations.

How can we use the funds?
View the list of Eligible and Ineligible Expenses(PDF, 170KB) covered by the grant. Be sure to check with your Sponsor Organization as well.

Can our organization oversee more than one project?
Yes! A Sponsor Organization may receive up to three (3) grants for three (3) separate projects. Please note, funds cannot be combined or shared between projects.

Our organization wants to help but we are concerned about staff time. What are the reporting requirements?
To receive funding, a Form W-9 is required from the Sponsor Organization. Receipts, invoices and detailed reports are not required. The Project Leads are responsible for two (2) Youth Surveys and the Final Microgrant Report. They may need assistance with total amounts for the Final Microgrant Report due April 15, 2027.

Application Example(PDF, 510KB)

Design Jam Presentation(PDF, 7MB)
This handy resource provides more information on MYCAF and guidance on developing project ideas.

These three virtual workshops will guide you through the process as you develop and implement your project. Our experts offer valuable insights and visuals on project management, reporting, and how to share the story of your project.

• Project Management & Budgeting

Presenter – Amie Perea, MYCAF Round 1 Project Manager
This workshop dives into the 5 essential components of managing a project. The workshop includes key information on how to break down project tasks, time management, and budgeting.

• Data Collection and Metrics

Presenter – Evan Allred, City of Mesa Chief Data Officer
This workshop shares the four steps to measuring the progress of your project and how to define and measure its success. You will learn how to develop your project’s objectives, data collection, as well as the importance of defining outputs and outcomes clearly.

• Storytelling and Audience Engagement

Presenters – Delia Johnson, City of Mesa Public Information & Communications Specialist and Lily King, City of Mesa Senior Public Information & Communications Specialist

In this workshop, you will learn essential techniques to tell your project’s story. The presenters go into detail about how to develop interview questions, the importance of storyboarding including a how to, video editing, and easy ways to share and promote your story on social media. 

The projects reflect the diversity and energy of Mesa’s youth, as well as their commitment to climate resilience. The 18 initiatives span a wide array of focus areas.

• Brewing a Sustainable Future at Jarrod's Coffee, Tea & Gallery (GreenLight Solutions) – Energy – The team completed water and energy audits, upgraded infrastructure, installed a Mill food recycler and improved fixtures and roofing at a beloved coffee shop and cultural hub in Mesa. The upgrades now divert food waste from landfills while reducing water, energy use, and operating costs. Reusable glass and ceramic mugs for in-person guests will replace an estimated 6,000 plastic cups sent to landfills each year. New washroom fixtures are projected to save more than 35,000 gallons of water annually, and food waste diversion is expected to total approximately 750 pounds annually.

• Buddy Benches (Mountain View High School) – Heat Mitigation, Water Stewardship – The Garden Club, Advanced Woodworking and Welding Students came together to create cooler and more inclusive spaces on campus by installing benches and planting trees and shrubbery to shade the areas. Eight unique benches were constructed with arbors and shade, giving students more shady spots on campus to sit and eat. Students will non-verbally show that they need a friend and other students will sit with them and make them feel welcome.

• Dirt to Dinner (Por La Tierra-Por La Cultura) – Food Systems – The team created From Dirt to Dinner: The Sustainable Cookbook & Resource Guide for Families in Mesa, Arizona, that helps youth and families learn about sustainable eating, local food systems, and community support resources. With 352 copies distributed to students across two Mesa public schools, the resource has the potential to ripple outward – informing family decisions, strengthening food awareness, and supporting long-term community well-being.

• Garden Expansion (Heartwood Montessori) – Food Systems – The community garden expansion added planting beds for 50 new plants, increasing planting and harvest capacity by 25%. Added trellises support vertical growing, boosting productivity by an estimated 15% per bed. The new beds also allowed for four additional worm composting bins, keeping 50 pounds of food waste out of the waste stream. Irrigation upgrades cut water use and watering days by 50%, providing a more consistent schedule and allowing nighttime watering, when evaporation is lower. The project also added recycled trailers and fencing, keeping 6,000 pounds of metal out of the waste stream.

• Hydrate & Conserve (Benedictine University) – Materials Management, Water Stewardship – This project added two Elkay water fountain refill stations at BenU’s gym and the Downtown Mesa campus and provided 500 reusable water bottles for students, faculty and staff. The stations encourage daily use of refillable bottles, displacing 25,000 disposable bottles annually, and preventing 450 lbs. of plastic waste from landfills. BenU celebrated with an educational pep rally that engaged the campus in learning about water conservation and environmental sustainability. Two additional educational events were held to share practical tips and information to empower the campus to take real, visible action toward sustainability.

• Monarch Waystation (Scouts BSA Troop 3030 and Arizona Wildlife Federation) – Air Quality, Heat Mitigation, Water Stewardship – This project designed, developed, and established a Monarch Waystation to help conserve and preserve the migratory path of monarch butterflies while also creating a space where community members can learn about the importance of conservation at the Red Mountain Library Monarch Haven & Reading Sanctuary. In addition to planting nine native host and nectar species across 227 square feet with water trenches, educational materials were incorporated into the setting, allowing visitors of all ages to engage with information about monarch populations, habitat loss, and broader environmental challenges. The Waystation is certified through MonarchWatch.org.

• Planting Trees in East Mesa (Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) - Red Mountain High School) – Air Quality, Heat Mitigation – This tree planting project selected desert-adapted, low-water-use trees to plant at schools in the Mesa Public School District. Four elementary schools lost trees during the monsoon season. The trees will remove CO2, reduce the temperatures in the shaded areas by 1-3⁰C and reduce surface temperatures, up to 6-11⁰C. Water usage is also reduced, saving around 1.45 million liters annually, when compared to water usage of non-desert-adapted trees.
  
  

• Plants, Panels & People: Growing Mesa’s Climate Action Capacity through Agrivoltaics (Arizona State University, Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation) – Energy, Food Systems, Water Stewardship – Led by ASU undergraduate students, being able to teach green energy to the younger generation is essential. The project team supported high school youth in developing knowledge and interest in solar energy that can be carried on into subsequent years. The undergraduates built 5 solar panel racking systems that added a total of 1000 watts of renewable energy capacity to our communities over 6 garden beds, and 5 solar power systems designed and built with a DC-powered materials kit. The team also created lesson materials, held four teacher training sessions and four high school class sessions.

• Ready, Set, Grow (Benedictine University) – Food Systems, Water Stewardship – The Garden Club launched a community composting system and indoor garden at the Downtown Mesa campus. The project united students, staff and ten local businesses to reduce food waste and promote sustainability. Organic waste from landfills was diverted, creating nutrient-rich compost for local gardens. Three indoor hydroponic gardens produce fresh herbs and lettuce used in student life initiatives, while two composting systems support the long-term goal of a greener, more self-sustaining campus. Check out MYCAF's first mural project that highlights “a healthy planet’ located in the back parking lot at 225 E. Main Street, 85201.

• Red Dirt Girls (ASU Polytechnic Campus) – Air Quality, Water Stewardship – The Red Dirt Girls collected and analyzed 40 soil samples from 11 city parks in Mesa to study the carbon respiration rates and loss of ignition between arid and grassy soils. Through the project, youth participants were taught research methods and leadership skills, with two participants now conducting their own independent research projects. The team increased awareness among community members about the differences in CO2 emissions between the soil types, and the soil data has been requested for use by an external scientist, demonstrating broader impact and scientific relevance.

“MYCAF helped me gain experience in leadership, research and professionalism, and I will be doing research over the summer that MYCAF helped me prepare for." – Lila Rose, Project Lead

• Rewear Revolution (Red Mountain High School) – Materials Management, Water Stewardship – This project hosted four “Clothing Swaps” where community members updated their wardrobes with gently used styles in exchange for clothing they no longer wanted. Clothing is given a new life, kept out of the landfills, and community members can adopt a new style. Plus, water is saved, since it takes an average of 700 gallons to project a cotton shirt and 2000 gallons of water to produce a pair of jeans. Clothing left after the swaps was donated to schools, community closets, Red Mountain Care Closet, and the Prom Pop-Up Shop.

• Root and Bloom Butterfly Garden (Child Crisis Arizona) – Air Quality, Heat Mitigation, Water Stewardship – This project completed a rooftop butterfly garden to support pollinator populations, enhance heat mitigation, and promote water stewardship. 25 new shrubs were planted, and a volunteer event was held involving youth in the group home, along with community volunteers. The garden is certified by the North American Butterfly Association – NABA.org.

“We are very proud of this project. Butterflies are important pollinators for flowers, fruits, and vegetables. By helping butterflies, the garden supports the local ecosystems and creates a healthy environment for other creatures such as bugs and birds.” – Volunteer Comment, MYCAF Youth Participant

• Self-Growth Through At-Home Gardening (Por La Tierra - Por La Cultura) – Food Systems, Materials Management – The team provided youth, families, schools, and community centers with opportunities to learn together and grow fresh produce. The project addressed accessibility barriers by offering the resources and knowledge needed to start an at-home garden, and in doing so, increased access to fresh foods, boosted environmental awareness, and deepened understanding of sustainable living. The project provided 1,678 youth and community members with expanded education and awareness of at-home gardening and available community resources. These efforts created a lasting impact by equipping families with tools and knowledge they can continue using well beyond the program.

• Sonoran Olla Oasis (Mountain View High School) – Energy, Food Systems, Heat Mitigation, Materials Management, Water Stewardship – This project tested the effectiveness of “ollas,” an underground watering device, in saving water when compared with regular spray watering systems. With the Colorado River watershed receiving less precipitation due to climate change, backyard gardeners need to use less water. With the intense heat in the Sonoran Desert, the team investigated how well plants grew with ollas when compared with regular watering systems. The ollas were found to save 80 liters of water a month compared with regular garden watering systems.

• The Southwest Waystation Network's Sittable Cities Initiative (Arizona Sustainability Alliance) – Air Quality, Heat Mitigation, Water Stewardship – The group partnered with the Mesa Parks Department to install one bench and five trees planted at the Dobson Ranch branch of the Mesa Public Library around the playground and parking lot to provide shade for the surrounding community. In achieving this objective, the project effectively addresses Mesa's climate initiatives of mitigating heat through the implementation of shade trees in full-sun areas, improving air quality with the carbon and pollution sequestering properties of the trees, and fostering a climate ready community that has a close relationship with native flora and fauna.

• Water Recycling and Materials Management for Mesa Dining Room and Community Garden (GreenLight Solutions) –Energy, Food Systems, Materials Management, Water Stewardship – The project brought together youth to build a water recycling system and green space for St. Vincent de Paul Mesa Dining Hall. The system filters greywater from 100 showers per week for redistribution to a nearby planter, saving water for the facility, and benefitting the environment and operating costs. The project also created a new green space near the showers. Added items to beautify the area include planters for lilies, a bench, water feature and trellis. This turned a dead space into a vibrant, tranquil corner for homeless clients to relax and enjoy nature between being served.

“MYCAF is a really special program because it empowers youth and students to go out in their community, to have the resources, to have the confidence, and to have the funds to make changes that they wish to see happen... I think it's taught me how to be a leader in my community, as well. And that's something that I'm just eternally grateful for." – Timothy Whitney Jr., Project Lead

• Wildlife Sanctuaries in Urban Areas (Red Mountain High School) – Air Quality, Heat Mitigation, Materials Management, Water Stewardship – The area is losing metric tons of pollinators annually. This project created a “highway” or “safe space” for pollinators to increase their numbers. This was done by planting native flowering plant species in nine raised planting beds. The selected plants are documented to attract native honeybee species. A secondary goal of the project was to cut the campus “heat island” by providing a natural canopy that blocks UVA and UVB rays from the sun. The project gave the team a chance to interact and excel in the areas of environmental science, construction, sustainable agriculture, and entomology.

“We have kicked off a new era of environmental focus on our campus thanks to MYCAF." – Mr. John Romero, MYCAF Project Advisor

• Zero-Waste Workshop for Mesa Businesses (GreenLight Solutions) – Energy, Food Systems, Materials Management, Water Stewardship – The Zero-Waste Workshop brought together 35 public and private sector leaders to explore waste-related environmental challenges and identify economic and environmental opportunities using a zero-waste framework. Facilitated by two Youth Leads, the workshop increased business owner, youth, and public official’s awareness and participants collaborated to design zero-waste business models. Attendees pledged to decrease waste generation by an average of 65.2% over the next 10 years. Four businesses are equipped with custom zero-waste plans to decrease waste in their facilities. These waste reduction strategies over the next 10 years are projected to decrease CO2 emissions by 73 metric tons.

Projects are listed by their applicable Mesa Climate Action Plan focus area – Air Quality, Energy, Food Systems, Heat Mitigation, Materials Management and Water Stewardship. 

Air Quality

BASIS Environmental Club – Project Clear 

In partnership with Maricopa County Air Quality Department, BASIS Mesa launched Project Clear, which deployed 9 air quality sensors across Mesa to monitor pollutants like ozone and PM2.5. Data collection began in October 2024, and results are available to the public through the PurpleAir cloud system. Students participated in sensor setup, community outreach, and data analysis. The project raised awareness about air quality issues, influenced local policy, and equipped students with advocacy skills to promote long-term environmental sustainability.
Photo note: All sensors circled in red represent Project Clear sensors. 

Energy

Greenlight Solutions – Climate Initiatives for Cost Savings in Mesa Coffee Houses  
The Circular Earth Project helps Mesa coffee shops become more sustainable by implementing low-cost energy-saving solutions like smart thermostats, LED lighting, and duct sealing. Targeting small businesses, the initiative aims to reduce energy costs, lower carbon footprints, and help shops earn Green Business certification. The project partnered with 4 local coffee shops, offering custom sustainability solutions. The grant funded energy-efficient upgrades, benefiting both businesses and the environment. Calculated impact estimates include 66,781 Single Use Cups diverted from the landfill, projecting 1,813 lbs of waste diverted from the landfill over the course of five years.

SPV Lab at Mountain View High School – Agrivoltaic Project
Mountain View High School’s Agrivoltaic Project is exploring the potential of agrivoltaics (the practice of using land for both agriculture and solar energy production). The project focuses on growing plants beneath solar panels to improve energy efficiency. Students worked in collaboration with Arizona State University’s Sonoran Photovoltaic Lab, funded by the National Science Foundation. Students compared plant growth and energy production at beds with and without plants and with and without solar. Grant funding covered the costs of the new plant beds, irrigation system, and measuring equipment. Data is collected weekly to test whether plants can help keep solar panels cooler, with plans to share these findings at three conferences.

Food Systems

Heartwood Montessori – Heartwood School Garden 
The Heartwood Montessori School Garden project addressed food systems by transforming a grassy field into a sustainable garden, while offering hands-on learning about food systems, native plants, and sustainability. The project team installed a rain cistern for water conservation and began composting food scraps from school lunches. They also planted 15 trees and added raised beds to support water-wise plants. The garden will provide produce for a farm stand, and future plans include adding a chicken coop. The project fosters community engagement and promotes awareness of food security and water conservation

Dobson HS FFA – Fish and Vegetable Production with Aquaponics

This aquaponics project will establish a sustainable system using fish to fertilize vegetables. The project will begin with repairing an aquaculture tank to raise fish, whose nutrient-rich water will feed the plants. Once operational, students will monitor fish health and plant growth. The project aims to demonstrate how aquaponics can reduce carbon footprints and water usage. Fish will eventually be harvested and shared with the community. This project provides educational opportunities and supports local food production, promoting environmental and economic sustainability.

Heat Mitigation

Dobson High School Orchestra Council Club – Musical Mustangs for Heat Mitigation
Dobson High School planted Red Push Pistache trees around the Arts Building to provide shade and reduce heat for students traveling between buildings. The project will improve student comfort, air quality, and campus aesthetics, while aligning with Mesa’s Climate Action Plan. The project team organized a planting day that involved 120 students, volunteers, and school staff in preparing soil and planting 51 trees. Through the initiative, students gained hands-on experience in environmental stewardship, while creating a more comfortable and healthier campus for everyone.

National Honor Society, Dobson High School – Landscape Revitalization
This project aims to reduce heat in the school’s parking lot and along sidewalks by planting 55 trees to provide shade and lower temperatures. The project will enhance air quality and improve campus aesthetic as well. National Honor Society members led the project, working with school staff to plan tree placement. Students participated in preparing the soil and organized a planting day, in conjunction with the Orchestra Council Club. This initiative gave students leadership opportunities and supported Mesa’s Climate Action Plan, by fostering a greener and more sustainable campus.

Mesa HS Environmental Science Club – Trees are Cool at Mesa High 
The Environmental Science Club launched a tree-planting initiative to reduce heat on campus. The project planted eight trees to provide shade and enhance the school’s aesthetic appeal and donated one tree to a nearby elementary school. Each tree had educational signs installed to promote environmental awareness. Students participated in tree selection, soil preparation, and a planting day. They also collaborated with local nurseries and met with the elementary students to talk about the importance of trees. This initiative will reduce campus temperatures, improve the learning environment, and promote environmental stewardship.

Girl Up Red Mountain HS – Share the Shade 
This project team planted 49 15-gallon native Mesquite and Palo Verde trees around Mesa, on public school campuses, and in low-income neighborhoods, to increase shade and reduce heat around the community. When possible, the new trees were connected to existing irrigation systems. Volunteers from Red Mountain High’s Girl Up branch led the planting efforts, promoted city programs that offer free trees, and taught residents how to care for them. The project also aims to improve air quality and make public spaces more livable.

Westwood HS FFA – Westwood/Kerr Tree Planting
The Westwood High School and Kerr Elementary School Tree Planting Project addressed heat mitigation by planting trees to lower temperatures, while also improving air quality and enhancing biodiversity. Students, teachers, and community members collaborated on tree selection and planting. The initiative included environmental education to raise awareness about the benefits of trees and students were involved in data collection and ongoing maintenance, ensuring a hands-on learning experience while creating cooler, healthier campuses.

Materials Management

Mountain View HS Student Council – Green Roots 
The Green Roots Project team at Mountain View High School planted 20 trees and conducted a comprehensive waste audit to reduce waste and improve green spaces. The school lost 50 trees during recent construction, and this project helped to restore those areas by planting new trees. Students also led a waste audit to identify opportunities for recycling and composting. The project’s goal is to reduce non-recyclable waste by 20% by the end of the school year and inspire sustainable behaviors within the school community.

Water Stewardship

Mountain View HS Gardening Club – Sustainability for Mountain View Garden

The Mountain View High School Sustainable Garden Project improved the school garden by installing solar-powered watering systems and compost bins. The compost bins will collect food scraps from the cafeteria and culinary classes to create nutrient-rich compost. A raised garden bed will also be built, featuring desert plants to support pollinators and promote water conservation. This initiative will engage students through the Gardening Club, offering leadership opportunities and hands-on experience with sustainable practices, helping reduce the school’s carbon footprint.