Empowering Youth Voices at the Climate Action Youth Summit

As part of Tech Exchange’s Earth Month campaign to promote the circular economy and collect technology donations that power our digital literacy and inclusion programs across the Bay Area, we were proud to participate in several impactful community initiatives throughout April.

On April 24, Tech Exchange participated in the Climate Action Youth Summit at Yerba Buena Gardens, an inspiring day focused on climate action, youth leadership, and community-driven solutions. Hosted by the San Francisco Department of the Environment, the summit brought together students from across San Francisco to explore how they can help shape a more sustainable future through innovation, advocacy, and everyday actions.

Showing Up with Purpose

Our goal was simple: help students connect their use of technology with responsible, community-centered practices.

At Tech Exchange, our work lives at the intersection of digital equity and sustainability. Through device reuse, refurbishment, and digital literacy training, we reduce e-waste while expanding access to essential technology. Events like this allow us to bring that message directly to the next generation of changemakers. Throughout the day, students visited our table to learn more about:

• How device reuse helps reduce environmental impact

• Why digital access matters for education and careers

• How tech skills can support climate solutions

• Ways to donate and responsibly recycle old technology

• Youth Energy in Action

One of the most powerful parts of the summit was the energy students brought to every conversation. Their curiosity went beyond technology: they wanted to understand how tech connects to sustainability, equity, and future careers.

Many asked thoughtful questions about how to get involved, what jobs exist at the intersection of tech and climate, and how their everyday choices can create real impact.

Moments like these reinforce something we deeply believe: when young people are given the tools, knowledge, and opportunity to lead, they rise to the occasion.

Earth Month Across the Bay Area

The Youth Summit was one of several Earth Month initiatives Tech Exchange participated in to collect devices and promote reuse across the region. Highlights included:

• A Tech Donation Drive with the Semiconductor Foundation (SEMI) in Milpitas on Earth Day

• A hands-on Refurbathon Workshop in San Francisco during SF Climate Week

• Ongoing community outreach encouraging residents and businesses to donate unused technology

  
  

Every donated laptop or device helps support Tech Exchange programs that provide affordable computers, digital skills training, internet access, and workforce pathways for underserved communities.

Bridging Digital Equity and Sustainability

At its core, our presence at the summit reflected a simple truth: digital equity is climate action. Extending the life of devices keeps electronics out of landfills. Expanding access to technology opens doors to education, employment, and innovation. Building digital skills ensures more communities can participate in solving tomorrow’s challenges.

Looking Ahead

We’re grateful to have participated in such a thoughtful and energizing event, and we thank the San Francisco Environment Department for uplifting youth voices and inspiring action.

If your organization is interested in partnering with Tech Exchange for events, student engagement, or sustainability initiatives, we would love to connect. community@techexchange.org

You can always support Tech Exchange by donating your old tech. Find out how at techexchange.org.

Together, we can continue building a future where technology is both accessible and sustainable, and where the next generation is empowered to lead the way.