21st Century Leaders Partners with City of Atlanta on Youth Climate Action Fund

FROM THE CITY OF ATLANTA

 

Mayor Andre Dickens Announces Atlanta’s Youth Climate Action Fund to Activate Young People in Driving Climate Solutions

Post Date:07/11/2024 10:45 AM

Mayor’s Office of Communications

Mayor Andre Dickens Announces Atlanta’s Youth Climate Action Fund
to Activate Young People in Driving Climate Solutions

ATLANTA—With 84 percent of youth around the world reporting that they are worried climate change threatens people and the planet, Mayor Andre Dickens announced the application window is open to apply for Atlanta’s new Youth Climate Action Fund. Launched by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Youth Climate Action Fund will provide technical assistance and funding for 100 mayors to activate tens of thousands of young people ages of 15 – 24 years to design, produce and govern urgent climate solutions in their cities. Atlanta joins the Fund alongside 100 cities from around the world, which together spans 38 countries across six continents, representing over 62 million residents.

“With the launch of Atlanta’s Youth Climate Action Fund, we can empower our city’s young innovators to develop youth-led climate solutions designed for the future,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “Our Administration has made priorities both of investing in our youth and addressing the climate crisis on the local level. Thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies and additional partners, this is an opportunity to foster the next generation of climate leaders while advancing our efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient Atlanta.”

As part of this program, the City of Atlanta received $50,000 to provide microgrants and convening opportunities in support of youth-led climate initiatives. The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience is partnering with 21st Century Leaders, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that has been delivering youth leadership development programming in Georgia for 35 years, to serve as the fiscal sponsor to award microgrants from $1,000 to $5,000. From mobilizing tree-planting or public education campaigns to launching recycling or waste reduction initiatives, efforts stemming from the Youth Climate Action Fund will help advance Atlanta’s sustainability goals.

Young residents ages 15 – 24 years are encouraged to visit Atlanta’s Youth Climate Action Fund webpage to learn more about the Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, and how to submit ideas for the opportunity to receive funding. Applications close Friday, July 25, 2024.

“There’s no age requirement for leadership and we love that the Mayor’s office is investing in the city with this same mindset.” said Kate Hewitt, Executive Director of 21st Century Leaders. “When youth are provided access and opportunity, incredible things happen. We’re proud to partner with the City of Atlanta’s Youth Climate Action Fund where, together, we will advance young leaders to create real change for their local communities and beyond.”

The program will be delivered by United Cities and Local Governments in partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. C40 Cities and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy will collaborate as learning partners. Cities that respond to the urgency of the moment and commit the initial $50,000 within six months will receive an additional $100,000 to support more youth-driven projects over the course of one year.

Young residents ages 15 – 24 are encouraged to visit Atlanta’s Youth Climate Action Fund webpage to learn more and submit ideas for the opportunity.

###

For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta

Inspired? Share the good news with your network.

21CL Appoints New Chair of its Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

21st Century Leaders Appoints New Chair of its Board of Directors

(October 3, 2022) Atlanta, GA – 21st Century Leaders’ announces the appointment of DeRetta Cole Rhodes, Ph.D. as chair of its board of directors. Dr. Rhodes succeeds Matt Johnson, who has been serving as chair of the board since October 2019. The appointment was effective October 1, 2022 as the start of the organization’s fiscal year. Johnson’s commitment to 21st Century Leaders is longstanding, having been a board member since 2014 and a volunteer prior to that for nearly a decade. He will remain engaged in a leadership role with 21st Century Leaders (21CL) as a member of its Advisory Council.

Johnson said, “It has been an honor to serve as board chair and work with our incredible board and staff to equip young people with leadership skills and experiences that enable their success. I’m absolutely confident and delighted that the important work of 21st Century Leaders will continue with momentum and outsized impact with DeRetta’s leadership. Her long standing enthusiasm and commitment to develop the next generation of leaders is inspiring, and perfectly complements the mission of 21CL.”  

Dr. Rhodes currently serves as the Executive Vice President, Chief People Capital Officer for the Atlanta Braves. Dr. Rhodes, who oversees people capital initiatives for the organization’s Major League, Minor League and The Battery Atlanta operations, has left a lasting impact in her short time with the Braves.  She has transformed the people capital department, expanded the culture of the organization with training programs and employee resource groups and created an internal diversity, equity and inclusion council. She was also recognized as 100 Women of Influence by the Atlanta Business League. Dr. Rhodes lives in Atlanta, Ga. with her husband, Leon, and her three sons, Cole, Austin and Jordan.

“I have always been in awe of 21CL; the vision, the work and the impression we make on young leaders,” said Dr. Rhodes. “To have the opportunity to work alongside Kate Hewitt the 21CL’s Executive Director, the Board, staff and students is an honor.  I am committed to bringing my passion, energy and commitment alongside all that I have the opportunity to engage as the new Board Chair.”

 “As we look to the future and growth of our organization, we are excited to have DeRetta’s recognized leadership and passion for this work as we continue to accelerate our mission of impacting youth leaders across Georgia and beyond,” said 21CL’s Executive Director Kate Hewitt. “As our former board chair, Matt has been instrumental to our success the past three years, particularly as we navigated through the impacts and challenges of Covid-19, all while leading the organization to a million dollar budget for the first time in the organization’s history.  On behalf of the board, staff, and every student we serve, I want to personally thank Matt for his mentorship to me, but more importantly his heart, dedication and contributions to 21CL.” 

21st Century Leaders is a youth leadership and talent development organization for Georgia high school students. 21CL provides year-round programming by collaborating with over 50 corporate and community partners. 21CL leadership training includes residential summer leadership institutes, school-year training, school-based clubs, and an online learning platform.

About 21st Century Leaders

Since inception in 1989, 21st Century Leaders has served more than 16,000+ diverse high school students from over 250 Georgia high schools. 21st Century Leaders is a non-profit organization that connects, transforms, and inspires high school students across Georgia to leverage diversity, explore career opportunities, and become leaders in their school, community, and ultimately the workforce. For more information about 21st Century Leaders, visit www.21stcenturyleaders.org. 

# # # 

 

For media inquiries and image requests, please contact: 

Nicole Meadows
Director of Programs & Communications
nicole@21stcenturyleaders.org
404.373.7441

21st Century Leaders Appoints New Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

21st Century Leaders Appoints New Executive Director

Founding Director retires after 29 years; New Executive Director to lead organization into its 30th milestone year of service to Georgia’s high school students

(November 2018) Atlanta, GA – The Board of Directors of 21st Century Leaders (21CL) has selected Kate Hewitt, Assistant Director of 21CL, as its next Executive Director. Ms. Hewitt assumed leadership in May 2018 as part of the transition, succeeding the organizations founding executive director Robert (Bob) Watson, who is retiring after 29 successful years of service.

Robert “Bob” Watson, Founding Director, 21st Century Leaders

Mr. Watson and Kevin Sessions, President of TalentQuest and Chairman of the 21CL Board of Directors, announced Ms. Hewitt’s appointment. “Kate’s in-depth leadership experience and her passion for the organization’s mission made her the ideal candidate to lead 21CL into its next 30 years of serving the students of Georgia. In 2019, 21CL will celebrate its 30th milestone year of service to the students of Georgia and we are excited to have her leading this new chapter in the organizations story.”

Kate Hewitt has served 21CL since 2014. She earned her B.A from Butler University. Prior to joining 21CL, Kate served a myriad of nonprofit and corporate clients through her work in marketing, public relations and event planning amassing an impressive track record of achievement in leadership, fundraising and operations excellence. Kate also has a background in broadcast journalism.

“I am humbled to be chosen for this role and very grateful to have the opportunity to lead 21st Century Leaders. It has been an honor to work alongside Bob for the last four years and to learn from his extensive experience and visionary leadership,” stated Hewitt.

21st Century Leaders is a youth leadership and talent development organization for Georgia high school students. 21CL provides year-round programming by collaborating with over 50 corporate and community partners. 21CL training includes residential summer leadership institutes, school-year training, school-based centers, and an online learning platform.

About 21st Century Leaders

Since inception, 21st Century Leaders has served more than 14,000 diverse high school students from over 250 Georgia high schools. 21st Century Leaders is a collaboration of business and professional leaders inspiring high school students to take on leadership positions, seek out opportunities and give back to their communities by connecting them a diverse group of enthusiastic peers, passionate professionals and powerful ideas, transforming their skills, attitudes, and abilities through training and hands-on experiences. For more information about 21st Century Leaders, visit www.21stcenturyleaders.org.

# # #

For media inquiries and image requests, please contact:

Liz Loreti

Director of Development

liz@21stcenturyleaders.org

404.373.7441