October 4, 2024
The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program Honored for Excellence with ASTC Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Award
Presented at the ASTC 2024 Annual Conference
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Award by the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC). The award recognizes extraordinary accomplishments within the science and technology community and was presented at the ASTC 2024 Annual Conference in Chicago, I.L. on September 30, 2024.
The Wild Center was recognized for its Youth Climate Program, which has made a global impact on climate discussions and youth leadership. Over the past 15 years, the Youth Climate Program has facilitated more than 200 youth-led climate summits in nine countries, including across the United States. These summits empower young leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive climate action in their communities. Youth participants are not only encouraged to develop and implement Climate Action Plans but also connect with local governments to create more climate-resilient communities.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from ASTC,” said Jen Kretser, Director of Climate Initiatives at The Wild Center. “The Youth Climate Program is a testament to the power and passion of young people around the world. We believe that by supporting youth and providing them with the tools they need, we are fostering the next generation of climate leaders who will continue to make a difference long into the future.”
Youth are placed at the center of climate action through hands-on participation in every stage of planning and execution. The Wild Center has also developed a toolkit and planning guide that are freely available to help other organizations replicate these efforts in their own communities.
This recognition from ASTC highlights The Wild Center’s commitment to fostering climate leadership among the next generation. The Wild Center is honored to be among the distinguished awardees for 2024, which include: American Museum of Natural History (New York, NY), Denver Museum of Nature and Science (Denver, CO), Don Harrington Discovery Center (Amarillo, TX), Explora Science Center & Children’s Museum (Albuquerque, NM), Marbles Kids Museum (Raleigh, NC), Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History (Santa Cruz, CA), and Terre Haute Children’s Museum (Terre Haute, IN).
Wild Center Executive Director Stephanie Ratcliffe, third from left, and Director of Climate Initiatives Jen Kretser accept an award at the ASTC 2024 Annual Conference in Chicago on Sept. 30 from ASTC members, from left, Jonah Cohen, Sam Dean and Tim Ritchie.
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