Meet the Student Groups
Isla Urbana USA’s student groups are a diverse network of young leaders from across the U.S., united by a common goal: bringing sustainable water solutions to communities in need. Since 2018, our chapters have steadily grown as more high school and university students join each year.
These dynamic teams support Isla Urbana’s mission by fundraising, organizing events, raising awareness, and participating in hands-on initiatives. As “Student Rainmakers,” they champion water autonomy and amplify our impact by inspiring their peers to take action against water scarcity, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among more young people. With each new group, our network grows and the movement for clean, reliable water access in Mexico gains even more momentum.
Why Students are Vital to Our Mission
- Youth Empowerment and Leadership Development: Students gain leadership experience while working toward a common cause, developing essential teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. These experiences not only shape them into effective advocates but also empower them to lead change in their own communities and beyond.
- Fresh Perspectives and New Ideas: Young people bring creativity and innovation to Isla Urbana’s efforts, offering fresh solutions to complex challenges. Their unique perspectives help drive new approaches to water access, making our work more dynamic and impactful.
- Building a Stronger, More Diverse Community: Chapters expand our reach and unite students from varying backgrounds. This collaborative network strengthens our movement, bringing new ideas and perspectives that enrich our work and create a more inclusive community committed to sustainable water access.
- Amplifying Advocacy and Outreach: Student-led initiatives raise awareness and drive action on water scarcity. Through social media, fundraising, and educational events, they amplify Isla Urbana’s message, inspiring their peers to support sustainable water solutions.
- A Pipeline for Future Leaders: These groups nurture the next generation of water advocates and global changemakers. By getting students involved with prominent social and environmental causes early on, we provide them with the tools, knowledge, and experience to become effective leaders in their communities and beyond.
We look forward to continuing to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation of environmental leaders. We are excited to see how the experiences gained in Mexico will influence these students’ futures, whether it be their academic paths, career choices, or continued commitment to sustainability. As they return to their communities, the impact of their work in Mexico will ripple outward, cultivating a brighter future for both the U.S. and Mexico through the power of education, collaboration, and community-driven action.
Student Summer Program
Building on the success of our student groups, the Isla Urbana USA Student Summer Program offers a transformative week-long adventure in Mexico City. Here, students immerse themselves in a vibrant culture, explore the complexities of water scarcity in Mexico, and actively contribute to the solution by installing rainwater harvesting systems. Evelyn Blanco, a 2024 Student Summer Program attendee, expresses the importance of the experience, stating:
“The Summer Program put life into perspective and made me want to start a chapter. I would love to continue to work with Isla in any way I can. It inspired me to give back to my community.”
By working alongside Isla Urbana team members and connecting with local communities, students gain a firsthand understanding of the true impact of their fundraising efforts. Installing systems they’ve helped fund for a community they can visit truly brings the cause to life. Meeting locals and hearing their stories adds depth to the experience, granting students the ability to connect with the faces and personal narratives behind the cause.
Samira Mehta participated in our Student Summer Program throughout high school and college before moving to Mexico to work as an intern with the organization. Reflecting on her experience, Samira shared:
“My journey with Isla Urbana has been the most rewarding and perspective-changing of my life. I’m constantly growing, whether it’s by learning to live within another culture, mastering a second language, or challenging my own views on how to empower communities.”
Traveling, experiencing a new culture, and meeting people with perspectives different from your own enriches these students’ worldviews, shaping them into more compassionate, thoughtful, and understanding leaders. Another 2024 Student Summer Program attendee, Anusri Chinni, recalls:
“Talking to the other students, who all come from different backgrounds, was especially very impactful. Learning about their endeavors was inspiring and encouraged me. I also feel that actually speaking to the members of the community and the school and hearing their story was quite valuable and an experience that you can’t get elsewhere.”
Last year, our largest cohort yet—25 students and 5 chaperones—installed four residential rainwater harvesting systems, benefiting four families and improving the lives of 24 people. During the week, students also participated in rainwater harvesting workshops, planted 100 Ahuejote trees, painted a vibrant mural, observed Chalchiuhtlicue Primary School’s Rain School Program, and sponsored the installation of a new Rural Rain School at Primaria Rural Tata Vasco in Tlalpujahua, Michoacán. This year, we’re planning to explore iconic landmarks like the pyramids of Teotihuacán and the colorful canals of Xochimilco!
How To Get Involved
Isla Urbana USA is always thrilled to welcome more students into our growing movement! Whether by forming new chapters, raising awareness, or fundraising for our rainwater harvesting initiatives, student rainmakers are crucial to our work.
If you’re inspired by these stories and are eager to make a difference, consider starting a chapter at your school or university! You can also take your involvement to the next level by joining our Student Summer Program—but don’t wait too long, the deadline to register is the end of April! Check out this flyer for details on the program and how to sign up.
If you’re interested in learning more about our summer program or student groups, reach out to us at programs@islaurbana.org. We would love for you to join us!
Let’s work together to bring #RainForAll to those in need!
