Fashioning a Sustainable Future: West Virgina Student’s Green Fashion Education

The Climate Leaders Fellowship is a leadership development program for students interested in climate change and environmental sustainability. The online program is provided by a collaboration between the Stanford University Deliberative Democracy Lab and the Rustic Pathways Foundation.

Read about Sydney’s experience in the spring cohort of the fellowship!

Sydney Clark
Age 15
Wellsburg, West Virginia

My name is Sydney Clark, and I am 15 years old. I’m from Wellsburg, West Virginia. I love reading, writing, acting, and sewing.

The problem I addressed in the Climate Leaders Fellowship was the usage of fast fashion. I chose to do a presentation on green fashion and educate the students in my community. I completed one presentation at my high school and two at the middle school.

I chose this project specifically because I have always found green fashion extremely interesting and wanted others to know about it as well. I presented to those interested in hearing more about the topic, which included over thirty students. Many students told me that my presentation helped open their eyes to things they never thought about, such as the negative effect of the fashion industry on the environment.

Participating in the Climate Leaders Fellowship made me feel important and proud of myself. I never thought I could make a difference or an impact, but this fellowship gave me that chance, and I am so glad I took the opportunity.