On October 12, 2023, students close out the Upward Ground summit in Washington, D.C. by participating in a climate-themed improv game called “Kick ‘Em Out the Classroom.” Jada M Imani / American Forests

On October 12, 2023, students close out the Upward Ground summit in Washington, D.C. by participating in a climate-themed improv game called “Kick ‘Em Out the Classroom.”
Photo Credit: Jada M Imani / American Forests

BENEATH Washington D.C.’s golden autumn canopy, the second “Upward Ground: A Nature Equity Experience” unfolded with vibrant energy on October 12, 2023. This half-day summit curated by the U.S. Forest Service gave Ward 8 high school students a chance to learn about green jobs that address the climate crisis and environmental injustices. The event also introduced these young, passionate minds to community leaders and urban forestry professionals.

Upward Ground bridges the gap between aspiration and action, offering students from underserved communities exposure to the skills necessary to shape a greener, more equitable future. This event continued the momentum established in the inaugural event held at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., in April 2023. Here, representatives from the executive leadership team share their experiences at the D.C. summit.

LILLIAN DINKINS

Throughout the planning process of Upward Ground, I was able to connect with other students and professionals. One of my most critical connections was with another student pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Florida. This connection was significant because it’s hard to find other women of color pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Florida. On the day of the event, I was able to meet other organizations that could show me what future routes I could take for a job post-graduation.

Upward Ground has really made me solidify my career path. Being a young professional and surrounded by those who have been in this profession for years has inspired me to continue this path of my Ph.D. and focus on urban forests and communities, specifically communities of color. I could see first-hand how tools such as Tree Equity Score pinpoint neighborhoods in desperate need of tree cover. I learned the importance of virtual reality and how it can be used to see climate change impacts but, more importantly, how it can be used to plan communities for livable spaces.

Students observe a flood-mitigation demonstration performed by the Department of Energy and Environment. Jada M Imani / American Forests

Students observe a flood-mitigation demonstration performed by the Department of Energy and Environment.
Photo Credit: Jada M Imani / American Forests

At American Forests’ booth, students etch their names on a tree disk as part of learning about green careers based on their career personality type. Jada M Imani / American Forests

At American Forests’ booth, students etch their names on a tree disk as part of learning about green careers based on their career personality type.
Photo Credit: Jada M Imani / American Forests

ASHANTI ASH

Attending Upward Ground and being a part of the executive leadership team has greatly improved my outlook on my career and future. It was amazing to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who also share my commitment to making green careers accessible for underserved and urban communities. I’m a senior at Howard University, and attending an event like this back in high school would have been so affirming to my goal of designing sustainable and affordable communities to combat the problems we face today.

Growing up in the rural south, most of my memories are shaped by being outside. Appreciating nature is not something that has ever been hard for me. Still, the Upward Ground experience has allowed me to explore career options that protect the places where those special memories were made! Speaking to professionals in the green industry has made me more confident in my abilities to explore the field and better navigate the relationship between architecture and sustainability.

ZAINAB ALI

As an executive leadership team member at Upward Ground, I had the privilege of playing a role in organizing, setting up and hosting this event. It was inspiring to witness young individuals discovering various career paths to chase their environmental aspirations. Upward Ground has left a lasting impact on me in multiple ways. This event not only inspired and motivated me as a Black woman in the climate field but also allowed me to actively contribute to exposing Black youth to the realm of green careers. Additionally, I had the privilege of networking with fellow members of the executive leadership team and numerous professionals from esteemed organizations.

The future of Upward Ground is promising. There is ample opportunity for this summit to expand its reach to engage broader audiences, encompassing emerging fields such as eco-technology and sustainable design, and even include a segment that incorporates elements of research and innovation to encourage students to explore environmental challenges and propose innovative solutions.

A student pictures herself in a green career as part of Project Learning Tree’s booth that explores representations of Black people in the field. Jada M Imani / American Forests

A student pictures herself in a green career as part of Project Learning Tree’s booth that explores representations of Black people in the field.
Photo Credit: Jada M Imani / American Forests

SHAUN BATES

With my major being psychology, I was studying the intersection of nature and therapy, and how one having exposure to the natural elements around them can actually heal specific mental struggles. Since being exposed to green careers, I see that it is more of a possibility than I realized and is in fact doable. I’ve been to plenty of summits similar to the format of Upward Ground, but to be more behind the scenes and see what goes into an event like that was a fresh perspective. Having to find creative and fun ways to engage the crowd you’re targeting allowed me to think creatively and critically.

Other young people will benefit from Upward Ground because it brings awareness to topics that are otherwise not spoken about or considered in their daily lives. For example, we saw the kids engaging with wood carving using reclaimed wood and leaf species identification. Many received that information for the first time. I don’t think it’s ever insignificant to teach kids about their environment.