Theory of Change

Definitions And Assumptions

Student Energy’s role

Student Energy is a global not-for-profit that is creating a movement of young leaders committed to transitioning the world to a sustainable energy future.

In a world where energy information is dominated by polarized soundbites, Student Energy is on a mission to deliver accurate and unbiased energy information to students across the world.

Student Energy provides energy education aligned with climate science. We do not advocate for particular technologies, policies, or practices, as we encourage young people to learn and identify climate and energy solutions that are most appropriate for their communities. Student Energy presents as many perspectives on energy topics as possible, and tools for critical thinking, and allows students to draw their own conclusions on how to build a sustainable energy future. We always strive to create meaningful educational opportunities, promote knowledge transfer, and facilitate open debate.

Student Energy is Global, Multidisciplinary, and Balanced.

Global: Student Energy’s reach is global. We aim to serve and include all of the world’s university students in our initiatives and content. Student Energy approaches energy literacy from a macro and international level. Our focus is on understanding global energy systems and dynamics.

Multidisciplinary: Student Energy encourages students to learn about energy from many perspectives. Working in silos is unproductive, and we need creative solutions in order to transition the world to a sustainable energy future. Student Energy strongly encourages students to learn about energy from perspectives outside of their own field of study and personal experience.

Balanced: Energy information can be polarized, making it difficult for students to discern possible biases. Student Energy provides energy education aligned with climate science and diverse perspectives, and cultivates critical thinking to develop appropriate solutions for their communities.

How we engage

Student Energy empowers students to become agents of change while simultaneously working with decision-makers and influential actors in the energy sector to create the space for youth to act.

Change agents

Complex factors currently make our energy system unsustainable. The end game for Student Energy is a sustainable energy future where energy serves the needs of the present in a way that is economically, socially and environmentally equitable, and does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

To achieve this future, we need collaborative, resilient people who are willing to work hard toward this vision, both within the existing energy system, and as energy entrepreneurs. Our global community of Enernerds will be change agents who are prepared to tackle these problems.

Space for youth to act

Part of the transition to a sustainable energy future is the recognition of the need for innovative and collaborative human resources that will design the tools needed for a sustainable energy future.

When institutions include youth voices and agency in their operating model, they are acknowledging that innovative ideas and collaborative solutions are a key part of creating a sustainable energy future. This empowers those who will be integral players in the future of energy, and recognizes that youth are capable of working towards and contributing to this future.