HCPSSPilot Project Enables Students to Explore and Address Climate Issues
April 29th, 2026
More than 90 HCPSS students took part in the county’s first-ever Student Climate Summit, held on Earth Day at the Howard County Conservancy. The Summit represented the culmination of a pilot program funded by Howard County Government in partnership with the Howard County Office of Community Sustainability, enabling sixth graders at seven HCPSS middle schools (Dunloggin, Ellicott Mills, Hammond, Lake Elkhorn, Lime Kiln, Mount View and Oakland Mills) to undertake an extracurricular climate-related project to complement the sixth grade climate curriculum.
Students began working on their projects in January with support from teachers, HCPSS high school student volunteers, and staff and volunteers from the Howard County Conservancy. Each school group identified and researched a climate-related issue affecting their school or community. They then developed and worked to implement an action plan to address the issue.
Students’ projects covered a range of topics, including recycling, trash-related pollution, and food waste. Their action plans were similarly varied. One called for increased tree plantings; another called for native plant renewal; still others suggested using an art contest or a fashion event to help raise awareness of and engagement on a particular climate-related issue.
In reflecting on their experience preparing for the Summit, students said they enjoyed working with others who shared their interest in the environment.
“It was fun to connect with so many people who care about the same types of things I do and want to make an impact,” said one student.
“Everyone was really supportive,” added another student. “The teachers, high school students and volunteers were excited to work with us on our project. They helped us focus our ideas, figure out what we could really achieve, and made sure we stayed on track.”
Students also said they enjoyed being able to explore in depth a subject of interest to them and having the opportunity to make a tangible impact.
As one student explained, “Doing this project made me realize that there are so many things we can do to help the environment, and that even small changes can make a big difference.”
Students at the Summit were commended for their hard work by several members of the HCPSS community, local dignitaries and elected officials.
“Today we celebrate the work you have done. It’s beautiful to see how you have all come together as current and future environmental stewards,” said Meg Boyd, executive director of the Howard County Conservancy.
“You are making a difference,” added Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “This world is going to be better because of you.”
“As I look out at you [students], I am looking at our future. And I know we’re in great hands,” echoed HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes.
“Real climate progress depends on future leaders like you,” noted U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen in a written statement. “We are counting on you.”
Reflecting on the Summit, HCPSS Environmental Education Resource Teacher David Clifford says, “It was incredibly rewarding to help facilitate this event and see students take ownership of real-world climate challenges. I’m excited to see how this program continues to grow and the impact these students will have moving forward.”