The Sustain OC Foundation is a 501 c3 non-profit managed by Sustain SoCal (501 c6 non-profit). The Foundation’s mission is to empower the Orange County youth to analyze and address community issues through the lens of sustainability using teamwork, technology, and partnership based approaches.

The “Sustainability Leaders of the Future Challenge” program is exclusively for Orange County high school students.

Select OC high schools have the option to either assign a school within the district or select a team of high school students from within the district. Private and Charter high schools are also welcome to form teams. The student teams are tasked with identifying and researching a sustainability challenge or concern in Orange County; ideally, within their respective communities.

The Sustainability Leaders of the Future Challenge outreach and proposal (application) process will begin in the summer of 2023. Proposals are due on December 15, 2023. The teams selected to move on will be asked to submit a written report detailing their solution due on February 1, 2024. The team will have the opportunity network and present their report at a collaborative event to be held at UCI Beall Applied Innovation on February 9, 2024. Finalists will be announced on February 15th. The finalists will be given access and the ability to network, collaborate and brainstorm with the Sustain SoCal Board of Directors and other Members to complete their final proposals which will be presented on May 13, 2024. More details, including timelines, resources and awards, can be found on the linked attachments below.

To indicate your interest as a participant, volunteer or sponsor and/or ask questions please complete the form below.

Thank you! We look forward to your participation!