Empowering Future Environmental Health Leaders: EWG and UC Berkeley's Haas School Partnership

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has recently teamed up with the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley to elevate its innovative student leadership initiative, EWG+HS. This partnership positions EWG within a prestigious group of organizations that are addressing complex social impact challenges. Notably, EWG+HS has been selected to participate in the Social Sector Solutions (S3) program at Haas, which aims to enhance social initiatives through strategic consulting and collaboration.

Launched in 2023, EWG+HS is designed to cultivate a national network of emerging leaders committed to environmental health improvements. The initiative encourages high school students to engage actively in their communities, spearheading projects related to water and food safety, promoting healthier product choices, and advocating for stronger environmental health policies. By partnering with renowned faculty and expert consultants from McKinsey & Company, EWG aims to develop a strategic plan to expand the program's reach and deepen student engagement across the nation.

Peyton Spaht, a senior at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco and the founder of EWG+HS, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "We’re thrilled to partner with Haas and McKinsey to take EWG+HS to the next level. Our goal is to empower young leaders with the knowledge and resources to drive real change in environmental health, and this collaboration will help us grow our movement in new ways." This sentiment is echoed by Wes Pyron, the director of philanthropy at EWG, who is optimistic about the creative ideas and talents that the students will bring to the table.

The partnership aims to enrich the student experience, ensuring it resonates with Gen Z and future generations. This process involves the development of a comprehensive marketing strategy aimed at reaching students nationwide. As EWG+HS progresses, Deloitte and McKinsey's expertise will prove invaluable in shaping the program's vision and execution, ultimately paving the way for a new era of activism in environmental health.

Christian Graff, an MBA candidate at Haas, articulated his excitement about being part of such an impactful project. He noted the importance of expanding the EWG+HS initiative and inspiring young advocates for environmental health. This partnership marks a significant turning point for EWG+HS, reinforcing its potential to become a vital force in the advocacy for environmental health.

The integration of Haas's curriculum and McKinsey’s consulting prowess ensures that EWG+HS will not only achieve its goals but redefine how student-led organizations can influence policy and public perception around environmental health. By building on the successes already achieved, EWG+HS is poised to make substantial strides in educating the public and supporting legislative changes that benefit environmental health.

As this remarkable program continues to grow, its selection into the S3 program highlights the promising future of young environmental leaders. With support from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and guidance from experienced consultants, the EWG+HS program is set to make a lasting impact on environmental health advocacy, nurturing a generation ready to tackle the most pressing challenges ahead.

For more details on EWG+HS and how to get involved, visit EWG's official website. The Environmental Working Group is dedicated to empowering individuals to lead healthier lives in a cleaner environment, utilizing research, advocacy, and education to inspire consumer choices and civic actions.