Student Energy: Celebrating 15 Years of Youth-Led Change in the Energy Sector

Student Energy was established during a time when the global conversation around climate change was in its early stages. The organization’s founders, including Taylor and Tran, recognized the need to connect energy systems with environmental challenges and saw young people as critical drivers of this transformation. As Taylor recalls, the idea for the first “International Student Energy Summit” in 2009 was born out of a desire to create a space where youth could engage meaningfully in energy discussions. The overwhelming response from young people worldwide led to the formal creation of Student Energy.

“The idea for clean energy is born over 15 years ago. It was a recognition that the impacts of climate change was going to be the greatest for young people and the students were in a unique position to change it and become the leaders that the world needs.” – Janice Tran, Founder, Student Energy

From its humble beginnings, Student Energy has grown into a global organization with over 30 full-time staff and a presence in numerous countries. Helen Watts, Executive Director of Student Energy, recalls the early days when the organization operated more like a startup, with only a few staff members juggling multiple roles. “We were chasing opportunities, always on the lookout for new funding,” she explains. Today, the organization no longer has to ask for permission to be part of critical energy discussions—now, it is invited to the table.

“Student Energy has had such a massive impact on me, both personally and professionally… it’s taught me the importance of putting those big visions out there and going for them. It’s the only way we’re going to make change.” – Kali Taylor, Founder, Student Energy

The organization’s growth has also allowed it to focus more on long-term strategic planning. With a dedicated and expanding team, Student Energy has been able to develop programs that directly respond to the needs of young people worldwide. Watts highlights that the organization has shifted from merely surviving to thriving, allowing it to proactively create opportunities for youth to engage in the energy transition.

Central to Student Energy’s mission is the belief that young people are key to addressing the climate emergency. Youth are disproportionately affected by decisions made today regarding energy systems, climate policies, and sustainability efforts. Yet, as Watts points out, young people are often excluded from decision-making processes. “Young people…are provided with very little agency to have decision-making power,” she notes, emphasizing the need for intergenerational equity.

 “Young people are often disregarded or thought of as disruptors who don’t understand what’s going on…even though these decisions will impact their lives more than older generations.” – Helen Watts, Executive Director, Student Energy

Student Energy has made it a priority to ensure that youth voices are not only heard but are given real influence in shaping the future of energy. The organization advocates for an energy transition that is not only sustainable but also equitable, ensuring that communities worldwide are supported and that no one is left behind.

One of Student Energy’s most significant achievements is its ability to build a global community of young leaders. Through its various programs, the organization has connected youth from different regions, providing them with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to create change in their communities. Watts emphasizes that this sense of community is one of the organization’s most powerful assets, noting that “there is such a sense of family, kinship, and camaraderie” among those involved.

“Here we are 15 years later, seeing some of those early connections making a real impact. Soon, Energy alumni are creating companies, leading multinational organizations, investing in startups, writing forward-thinking policies. I am an example of this.” – Janice Tran

Student Energy’s impact is evident in the countless success stories of youth who have taken action in their regions. For instance, students from the University of Manitoba collaborated with peers in Algeria to develop clean cooking solutions for their communities. Others have launched high school education initiatives or joined Student Energy’s board to continue shaping the organization’s future. These examples highlight the ripple effect of Student Energy’s work—by empowering one individual, the organization sparks change that reverberates through entire communities.

As Student Energy looks toward the future, its focus is on ensuring that young people have the resources and support they need to stay engaged in the energy transition for the long term. One of the organization’s top priorities is addressing burnout among young climate activists. Watts expresses concern that young people are not receiving the support they need to sustain their involvement in the movement. To address this, Student Energy is expanding its programs to provide more comprehensive career training, mentorship, and funding opportunities.

“A big focus for us is going to be how we create more staying power in the youth, energy transition and climate movement. A real fear of mine and many, many around me is that young people are burning out very quickly and they’re not getting the support that they need to really have agency and staying power in this space.” – Helen Watts

By 2030, the organization aims to create a robust ecosystem for youth involvement in the energy sector. This vision includes expanding its careers platform to connect young people with employment opportunities and building a mentorship network that provides ongoing support. “Young people deserve to have purposeful work that’s meaningful to them,” Watts says, underscoring the importance of creating sustainable career paths in the energy transition.

As Student Energy celebrates its 15th anniversary, the organization’s impact on the global energy landscape is undeniable. From its beginnings as a grassroots initiative to its current status as a global leader in youth empowerment, Student Energy has remained steadfast in its commitment to creating a just and sustainable energy future.

“What I would tell young people who are thinking about getting into this space is we need you .We absolutely need your energy, your passion, your talent in order to make the massive transition that is required of us to be able to protect the planet and give people the future that they deserve.” – Kali Taylor

 Looking ahead, the organization’s vision for 2030 is clear: to continue empowering young people, fostering global connections, and ensuring that youth voices remain at the forefront of the energy transition. As Watts puts it, “This is a crisis that will not be solved by an individual… It will be solved by collective action.”