Changemaker Labs for Green Youth

The  Changemaker Labs program at GreenHouse drives climate action in Canada, supporting work-integrated learning (WIL) through partnerships between small- to mid-sized municipalities and motivated people. Each term offers a range of activities designed with an inclusive participation model; interdisciplinary opportunities of varying time commitment.  

Changemaker Labs mobilizes TransformWR, Waterloo Region's climate action strategy, guiding our community toward a low-carbon, equitable, and resilient future. Rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing, emerging research, and local expertise, this program offers holistic educational experiences. Participants gain valuable skills, build networks in the green economy, and contribute meaningfully to municipal climate action.  

Indicate your interest on the registration form. No experience required; come join us and make an impact !

Stay tuned for Winter 2025 opportunities!

Changemakers in the News

High school student watering plants in garden
  • Campus

Gardening venture takes root and inspires Waterloo community

GreenHouse social venture, Nurture, empowers youth to grow their own food while finding climate change solutions for a sustainable future 
  • Campus

Gardening venture takes root and inspires Waterloo community

GreenHouse social venture, Nurture, empowers youth to grow their own food while finding climate change solutions for a sustainable future 

GOODHack24: Using open data in sustainability solutions

Malak Sameh, Erin Hogan and Lily Viggiano sitting inside the Communitech building
  • Campus

Breaking barriers for local climate action with open-source data

GreenHouse partners with the City of Kitchener to host a data science hackathon where students can build solutions that address heat inequity
  • Campus

Breaking barriers for local climate action with open-source data

GreenHouse partners with the City of Kitchener to host a data science hackathon where students can build solutions that address heat inequity

Who should register?  

  • Post-secondary and grade 11 & 12 students as well as youth community members in Waterloo Region 

  • Students interested in learning and taking action on local climate efforts  

  • Folks looking to be part of an engaging and welcoming community!  

What to expect:  This is a free program designed to allow participants to tap into the opportunities that best suit their interests and schedule. No experience or previous knowledge required! 

  • Connect with industry experts, lifelong learners, GreenHouse alumni, and like-minded peers   

  • Develop your network and professional skill sets 

  • Gain a sense of hope and agency on climate matters by deepening your knowledge and taking action!   

All activities take place in person at GreenHouse (UTD 164 - United College).

Our Supporters

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Partnerships and Instructional Opportunities

We welcome partnerships for educational activities and design sprint challenges. If you're interested in learning more or chatting about shared goals and priorities, please contact Lily Viggiano, Senior Project Manager, at lily.viggiano@uwaterloo.ca.  

We encourage municipalities, community organizations, advocates, educators, and volunteers to get in touch with us.