Vista del Lago and Folsom High teams earn top honors at regional sustainability competition
Students from across the Sacramento region gathered Saturday at the Aerospace Museum of California for SMUD’s Emerging Leaders Energy Summit, a daylong competition spotlighting youth-driven solutions to climate change and sustainability challenges. Among the top performers were students from Vista del Lago High Schooland Folsom High School, who were among those who earned honors in a competitive field that included teams from high schools, colleges and universities throughout the region.
The annual summit, held at the Aerospace Museum of California in Sacramento, brought together dozens of student teams vying for $2,000 scholarships by presenting community service projects inspired by this year’s theme, Fueling the Future – Where Food Meets Energy. Students explored how sustainable food systems and clean energy solutions intersect, and how those connections can be leveraged to address climate change at the local level.
Students spent months developing their projects before presenting them to a panel of judges, showcasing detailed research, creative thinking and practical ideas designed to make a real-world impact. Their work ranged from innovative approaches to reducing food waste and improving energy efficiency to broader concepts aimed at strengthening sustainable practices within schools and communities.
The competition marked the culmination of a learning journey that began last September, when participating students attended a three-day educational experience with industry professionals and subject-matter experts. During that program, students examined the complex relationship between food systems, energy use and climate change — lessons that informed and shaped the projects unveiled at Saturday’s summit.
SMUD officials said the event reflects the utility’s long-term commitment to education, equity and workforce development, particularly as the region transitions toward cleaner energy solutions.
“We’re proud to support these emerging leaders,” said SMUD Chief Diversity Officer Jose Bodipo-Memba. “They’re learning about the challenges of climate change and taking real action in their communities to build a cleaner, more sustainable future. It’s exciting to see the next generation lead the way.”
When judging concluded, teams from Folsom schools stood out among the winners. JAM, representing Vista del Lago High School, earned top recognition for its project, while EcoVisionaries — a collaborative team made up of students from both Folsom High School and Vista del Lago High School — also secured a scholarship award, underscoring the strong showing by local students at the regional event.
Other scholarship-winning teams included Verdant Volt from Consumnes Oaks High School, Team Lorax from NP3 High School, Next Gen Innovators from Sacramento State, Lafobo Group Inc. from Sacramento City College, and Saviors from Sacramento City College School.
Organizers said the diversity of participants — spanning high school through college — highlights growing student interest in sustainability-focused careers and community leadership. For many students, the summit provided not only scholarship opportunities but also valuable experience in public speaking, collaboration and problem-solving around some of the most pressing issues facing their generation.
As the Emerging Leaders Energy Summit concluded, SMUD officials emphasized that the projects on display represented more than a competition. They offered a glimpse into how young leaders across the region, including those from Folsom-area schools, are already contributing ideas and momentum toward a more resilient, sustainable future.
SMUD Emerging Leaders Energy Summit Winning Teams
JAM, Vista del Lago High School
EcoVisionaries, Folsom High School & Vista del Lago High School
Verdant Volt, Consumnes Oaks High School
Team Lorax, NP3 High School
Next Gen Innovators, Sacramento State
Lafobo Group Inc., Sacramento City College
Saviors, Sacramento City College School
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