Are you passionate about the environment and inspired to make a difference?

Make an impact with The Granary Climate Innovation Project

We give you the tools and resources to innovate.

The Historic Hayden Granary has partnered with two national nonprofits, Lyra and GripTape, to launch this unique, 10-week Climate Innovation Project.

Local youth ages 14–19 years old have the opportunity to participate in a 10-week, hands-on independent project. You choose a climate-related subject that interests you, and we provide the resources to help you pursue it.

We believe innovation emerges through exploration, and no one is more passionate about the future of this planet than you! Through this project, you have an opportunity to explore your curiosities and passion for our soil, air, and water and to find ways to make an impact on our local community.

How it works

$500

You will receive up to $500 directly to spend on expenses related to your project.

Champion

You will be paired with a Champion (like a mentor, but better) who meets with you virtually every week or two. Your Champion is there to listen to your ideas, offer suggestions and encouragement — and will never tell you what to do.

This project is yours, start to finish. You call all the shots, design and execute your project, no strings attached!

Decision Making Authority

The 10-week timeline is designed to give you sufficient time to design, execute, and complete your project.

10 Weeks

We believe that innovation emerges through exploration. The Granary Innovation Challenge is a chance to independently and freely explore something you actually care about!

We invite you to follow your curiosity about the soil, air, and water that make up the environment and how they connect us together as a community.

Project Inspiration

The Granary Climate Innovation Project is your opportunity to independently and freely explore something you care about. We welcome your creativity and passion for improving our local air, soil, and water, and offer these examples as inspiration:

  • Organize an art show to highlight the importance of the Yampa River to our community

  • Build a vertical hydroponic garden

  • Plant special flowers that help bees and butterflies and support biodiversity

  • Design a website that explains efficient irrigation methods and water-saving technologies

  • Launch a neighborhood composting initiative

  • Build and distribute rain barrels to collect rainwater

  • Make a movie about elk habitat and migration

You are eligible if you …

Are 14–19 years old

A resident of Yampa Valley

Excited to challenge yourself and innovate

Passionate about making a difference to our local environment

Only five questions to apply!

You can submit your application in ANY format. Videos, audio, essays, presentations, etc. Choose whatever format you are most comfortable and confident in! You decide.

  • Share your passion. Tell us about the topic you want to pursue for the Granary Climate Innovation Project.

  • The BIG Why? It’s important for us to know why the Granary Climate Innovation Project matters to you.

  • What do you want to learn during your Climate Innovation Project?

  • Tell us how your project will impact the local environment and our community.

  • The 10 weeks are in your hands. In detail, tell us what you plan to do during that time.