WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Environmental Working Group’s groundbreaking student leadership program, EWG+HS, has been chosen as one of a dozen social impact organizations to participate in the highly competitive Social Sector Solutions, or S3, at the University of California Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.
This selection places EWG, with this program, among a distinguished group of organizations working to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Through S3, a team of multidisciplinary business school student consultants will work with EWG+HS to develop a strategic road map for scaling its impact and deepening student engagement nationwide.
Haas faculty and expert coaches from McKinsey & Company will guide the student consultants in their work with EWG’s high school program.
Peyton Spaht, a senior at San Francisco’s Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory and the national program founder of EWG+HS, will lead the student member coordination with the S3 team.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Haas and McKinsey to take EWG+HS to the next level,” said Spaht. “Our goal is to empower young leaders with the knowledge and resources to drive real change in environmental health, and this collaboration will help us grow our movement in new ways.”
Shaping the next generation of environmental leaders
Launched in 2023, EWG+HS is a student-led movement for building a national community of emerging leaders passionate about creating a healthier, safer world. Since the program’s inception, student leaders have tested water and food safety in schools, promoted healthier personal care products in their homes, and advocated for stronger environmental health protections at the state and national level.
“We are excited to see the creative energy and talent these student leaders will bring to the table with the expertise of professionals at Haas and McKinsey,” said Wes Pyron, director of philanthropy at EWG.
“It’s an honor to watch EWG+HS evolve and to witness the impact these bright young students will have as they take their experience to the next level, tackling some of the most critical challenges in environmental health,” Pyron said.
With the expertise and mentorship of Haas Business School, EWG+HS is set to expand its reach and strengthen its impact by:
- Designing a compelling, interactive student experience that resonates with Gen Z and future generations.
- Developing a bold business and marketing plan to reach students across the country.
“We can’t wait to help grow the amazing program EWG has developed and take EWG+HS to new places,” said Christian Graff, Haas MBA ’26. “It’s an honor to be part of such an impactful project, and we look forward to expanding this program and inspiring new generations to advocate for a cleaner and healthier future.”
As EWG+HS continues to grow into a powerful force for change, its selection for the prestigious S3 program signals a pivotal moment in its journey. With the support of UC Berkeley Haas and McKinsey & Company, EWG+HS is poised to transform the future of environmental health advocacy – one student leader at a time.
For more information on EWG+HS or to get involved, visit www.ewg.org/ewghs
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.