Youth Lead the Charge for Cleaner Air: S’mores Over Smog Highlights Electric School Bus Advocacy
Tyra Beamon, YES! for Equity Manager
The Partnership for Southern Equity (PSE), in partnership with the World Resources Institute, hosted a groundbreaking youth-led event, “S’mores Over Smog”, to promote electric school bus (ESB) advocacy in metropolitan Atlanta and other priority districts across Georgia. This community-centered initiative brought together youth, parents, school leaders, and district decision-makers to shine a spotlight on the critical role of electric school buses in combatting climate change and improving local air quality.
The event offered an engaging and informative experience, combining fun activities like s’mores-making, games, and an electric school bus tour with meaningful discussions on the benefits of ESBs. Attendees gained insights into how electric school buses reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve health outcomes for students and communities by cutting harmful air pollution.
A highlight of the day was the Just Youth Circle, where youth organizers shared their perspectives on electrification and climate justice. These young leaders emphasized the urgency of transitioning to zero-emission transportation, advocating for a sustainable future where every student has access to clean air.
This event also served as a platform to inform school and district leaders about the federal funding opportunities available through the 2024 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, which is accepting applications until January 9, 2025, at 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time. Administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the program anticipates awarding up to $965 million to replace existing buses with zero-emission and clean school buses. This funding represents a transformative step toward making electric and clean school buses the American standard.
YES! for Equity Manager Tyra Beamon stated, “Through this event, we aimed to amplify the voices of our youth, who are at the forefront of advocating for environmental and climate justice. The transition to electric school buses is not just a technical shift—it’s a moral imperative to safeguard the health and future of our communities.”
Schools and districts across Georgia are encouraged to seize this opportunity and apply for funding under the 2024 Clean School Bus Rebate Program. To learn more and begin the application process, visit the EPA’s official website or contact YES! for Equity for guidance and support.
For more information, contact Tyra Beamon, YES! for Equity Manager, [email protected]
Find out more about the Clean School Bus Rebate Program here.
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About YES! for Equity: The Partnership for Southern Equity’s YES! for Equity is a national training and movement-building force, built on the belief that racial equity and inter-generational are essential to creating community change. YES! for Equity believes that our collective power as youth and adult allies to achieve the change we seek in the world depends on recognizing the history of structural racism that exists in the United States. YES! for Equity embraces the responsibility to work towards institutional and societal change in service to creating more equitable, thriving communities for all through the application of the YES! for Equity Youth Power Model®. For more information visit https://psequity.org.
