Explore Ways to Build a Foundation in Environmental Science

Summary:

Studies show that climate concerns are critical to teens, as well as other age groups. Teens interested in environmental careers can get started in high school by focusing on STEM and pre-college online courses. 

Key Points:

• A recent survey conducted in 10 countries by the World Economic Forum has found that more than seven out of ten people aged 16-25 are very concerned about the environment. 
• Well-known national and international conservation programs are available for teens, including the Youth Conservation Corps Program. 
• Focusing on foundational classes in STEM is essential as these classes lay a terrific foundation for environmental science.
• Pre-college online courses in STEM, law, entrepreneurship—even sustainable fashion design—set the pace for a future in environmental science. 

In recent years, teens all over the world have taken a stand to protest environmental issues, including climate change. In fact, two young activists garnered global attention by attempting to damage one of the famous Sunflowers paintings by Vincent Van Gogh at the National Gallery in London. Luckily, they failed. Being a good steward of the Earth does not need to be radical, but they are not alone in hoping for a better planet. 

A recent survey conducted in 10 countries by the World Economic Forum has found that more than seven out of ten people aged 16-25 are very concerned about the environment. 

Are you a teen who shares this growing concern? Do you envision yourself seeking environmental science careers? 

In this article, we’ll explore ways that teens can get involved with sustainability and environmental concerns during high school and touch upon pre-college online courses that can help foster an interest in ecological endeavors. 

First, let’s explore well-known national and international conservation programs for teens. 

Conservation Programs for Teens

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) offers a wide range of environmental programs, providing hands-on experience in various conservation fields. If you’re a teen with a passion for wildlife, an interest in urban sustainability, or are drawn to historical preservation, the SCA offers opportunities that match your interests.

 The Youth Conservation Corps Program provides you with a paid summer experience working as part of a team on fun and meaningful conservation projects on national forests and public lands. You will gain experience in environmental stewardship while learning about various green careers and connecting with other young people.

Co-created as a pact among UNEP, UNICEF, and the International Labour Organization, the UN Environment Programme aims to equip young people with the green skills and jobs needed to actively contribute to a better planet worldwide, particularly in high-impact sectors.  

On a local level, most high schools offer a variety of classes that can foster environmental science aspirations. 

High School Classes in Environmental Science

Focusing on foundational classes in science, technology, engineering, and math courses (STEM)—including advanced and AP classes, if available—is important, as these classes lay a terrific foundation for environmental science. Beyond the classroom, you can:

• Join STEM-related after-school clubs.
• Enter STEM contests and competitions.
• Volunteer for local ecological protection projects through your local government or eco-focused nonprofit organizations.
• Explore the environmental issues your community faces and determine if you can devise a solution to address them.

But why not expand beyond options at the high school level with pre-college courses for high school students from top universities? Prelum, Powered by Kaplan, partners with many top universities and colleges in the nation. Our pre-college courses are presented as dynamic video lessons with interactive tools. Let’s review a few.

Pre-College Online Courses in Relevant Subjects

STEM

As mentioned, STEM college prep courses are crucial in environmental science. 

The Dartmouth Precollege Online Program course, titled Biology: Transforming the Future of Science, will explore how systems biology revolutionizes our understanding of genes, proteins, and cellular interactions. From personalized medicine to anti-aging research, discover how cutting-edge technology and computational tools are transforming the world. 

In the Northwestern Pre-College Online Program course Engineering: Solving Problems Through Design, you’ll explore the various issues that engineers address and how the assorted disciplines collaborate for maximum impact. You will learn to “think like an engineer,” applying the design process to solve engineering problems based on realistic case studies.

Journalism

At the crux of being a journalist is the aspiration to report the truth. What better way to address environmental issues than to use your voice to help others understand them?

In the Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program course Journalism and Media in the Digital Age, you’ll be introduced to the foundations of the ever-changing world of journalism, including how to craft a story, interview subjects, and identify pitfalls within the industry. Various experts, including news correspondents, prize-winning journalists, reporters, and political editors from renowned news and media outlets, discuss why they chose this field and how they specialized their skill sets.

Law

Environmental law encompasses a complex web of federal, state, and local regulations designed to protect natural resources and public health. Acquiring the fundamentals in high school is an excellent launchpad for a potential future career in law, and possibly environmental law.

In Law: Shaping a Just and Equitable World from the Rice University Precollege Program, 

you’ll explore the mechanics of the legal system and the complexities of ownership rights, employment law, and access to education. Learn about the crossroads between civil rights and the law, and discover how the law can shape and protect an equitable society.

The Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program course Law: Thinking Like a Lawyer will introduce you to how the IRAC method is used to analyze legal issues. You’ll explore the major components of the international legal system, how to navigate a shifting legal landscape through the lens of sports law, and analyze how intellectual property law protects people’s brands, ideas, and designs.

In International Law: Protecting the World’s Interests by the Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program, you will explore how international law is created, how jurisdiction works, how international treaties are negotiated, and how international law is enforced. You’ll even break down a simulated case study on the war in Ukraine and complete a Final Capstone Project in which you will take on the role of advisor. 

Fashion

Many know that fast fashion and other mass-production types of fashion creation are wreaking havoc on the Earth. How about a course that tackles this issue head-on? 

The Parsons Paris Online Courses Sustainability: The Future Of Fashion will show you the innovative ways the fashion industry is responding to our ecological crisis. Learn about the life cycles of products, eco-friendly approaches to design, the upsides and downsides of “green” branding, and more. 

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship, or the business of helping others bring their innovations to the public, is another great way to get involved in sustainability and environmental concerns. After all, you might not have the big idea to save the planet, but you might know someone else who does. 

The Case Western Reserve Pre-College Program course Social Entrepreneurship: The Business Of Helping Others, introduces you to social entrepreneurship, which is a must. Discover how social entrepreneurs get started, build a value proposition, find customers, identify problems, come up with solutions, and create a team.

In Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital: From Idea To Investment from the William & Mary Pre-College Online Program, you’ll get a glimpse inside the fast-paced world of venture capital investing. Learn how startups raise money from external sources and understand the key concepts and terms of VC investing. Take on the role of an entrepreneur, and craft a convincing pitch to potential investors.

Remember, our flexible format allows you to study anywhere, at any time that fits your schedule. Hear from renowned faculty, and enjoy the support of seasoned mentors who will answer your questions and guide your learning experience. Each course finishes with a Capstone Project that, successfully delivered, earns you a Certificate of Completion.

This was last reviewed by Ashley Simmons on 08/29/2025.