Generation Green: Helping students explore Newfoundland and Labrador's green economy

How do you teach the next generation about the future of the green economy?

How do you teach the next generation about the future of the green economy? That’s the question behind econext’s newest program offering.

At the start of 2026, econext launched a pilot of the Green Economy Education + Awareness Initiative for High Schoolers, an educational offering designed to introduce students to how energy is produced in the province today, and how it may be generated in the future.

“The aim of the program is to raise awareness of Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing green economy and inspire youth to explore the many emerging careers, exciting opportunities, and ways they can make a meaningful impact right here in our province,” said Zakiya Young, Workforce Events Lead with econext. “We want to show young people what’s happening in the clean sector and highlight the many green career opportunities right here in Newfoundland and Labrador. You don’t have to leave the province to find a meaningful, high-impact job—you can build your career at home while contributing to a sustainable future.”

econext’s Workforce Events Lead Zakiya Young gives a presentation to a local high school.

The presentation covers a wide range of topics, all tied together by the growing conversation around the green economy in the province. Students learn about the electricity generation options currently used in the region, the types of careers available in the energy sector, and the goals surrounding decarbonization and energy. Hands-on activities are a key component of the program. Students are encouraged to imagine their own cities and towns, considering what energy projects and jobs would be needed to support them.

“The students participate in activities that have them thinking critically about the future,” said Young. “One day, they will be the ones at the helm, and it’s exciting to see them engage, brainstorm, and debate after learning about some of the developments happening here.”

econext will continue to pilot the program through the first half of 2026, with plans to expand to more regions in the coming year. Teachers or school liaisons who are interested in having econext visit their school are encouraged to contact Zakiya at zakiya@econext.ca for more information.