SUMMER leadership
retreat
Week-long program train students in leadership and communications skills that are vital to climate and environmental movements, while exploring unique ecosystems with area experts as part of a small group.
Upcoming:
Martha's Vineyard Retreat
June 21-28, 2026
writing
program
Students hone their communication a writing skills with our virtual workshops and one-on-one mentorship. This curated program includes professional editing and the chance to be published when works are completed.
Sharing the stories, ideas, and experiences of student writers.
Student Voices
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Barbie Maganda
As fate would have it, San Marcos High School ’26 student Barbie Maganda found out about the Bluedot Santa Cruz Island Retreat at exactly the right moment. After her aunt noticed an ad in the Santa Barbara Independent and passed it along, Barbie became the final student accepted into the retreat.
Since then, she has demonstrated an incredible capacity to lead, create, and guide others toward a more planet-friendly lifestyle. Since that first leadership retreat in March 2025, Barbie has become one of only two students to attend a second Bluedot retreat, this time serving as a Youth Mentor Ambassador. She is an integral part of Bluedot’s social media team and a programs advisor, and she will attend the Bioneers Conference in March as a Bluedot representative.
At school, she enthusiastically participates in the Environmental Club, which recently planted a micro-forest to redirect heavy rains. This forest provides students a space to rest and reflect while actively managing excessive water runoff. She is a shining example of how we can all meet the moment fully and use opportunities to increase our awareness, connection, and impact.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Mariame Diagana
As fate would have it, San Marcos High School ’26 student Barbie Maganda found out about the Bluedot Santa Cruz Island Retreat at exactly the right moment. After her aunt noticed an ad in the Santa Barbara Independent and passed it along, Barbie became the final student accepted into the retreat.
Since then, she has demonstrated an incredible capacity to lead, create, and guide others toward a more planet-friendly lifestyle. Since that first leadership retreat in March 2025, Barbie has become one of only two students to attend a second Bluedot retreat, this time serving as a Youth Mentor Ambassador. She is an integral part of Bluedot’s social media team and a programs advisor, and she will attend the Bioneers Conference in March as a Bluedot representative.
At school, she enthusiastically participates in the Environmental Club, which recently planted a micro-forest to redirect heavy rains. This forest provides students a space to rest and reflect while actively managing excessive water runoff. She is a shining example of how we can all meet the moment fully and use opportunities to increase our awareness, connection, and impact.
Bluedot Programs
for High School Students
Bluedot Programs for High School Students
Writing Program
A virtual program for students who want to elevate their writing skills, try different kinds of writing, benefit from professional feedback, and have the opportunity to publish their environmentally focussed work on our platforms.
Climate Leadership Retreats
Our in-person leadership retreats explore unique ecological areas while building vital skills such as leadership, negotiation, and communication to empower students to navigate their role in the changing world.
Martha's Vineyard Retreat - June 2026
Virtual Monthly Firesides
Each month we hear from inspiring leaders, engage in lively discussions on topics such as rights of nature laws and environmental filmmaking, and plan community projects to make positive change in the world.
The Bluedot Beacon is the Bluedot Institute’s newsletter for sharing student work and keeping in touch with Bluedot Institute families, schools, supporters, and partners about upcoming events and programs.
