Former Steward Fellow Thrives
Written by Ashley Ramos, edited by Jenna Seigworth
Claire Barnes didn’t know exactly what she was signing up for when her mom told her about Sustaining Way’s Steward Fellows program back in 2020, when Claire was in high school. She just knew she liked learning about the environment and that her mom had a feeling this program would be a good fit.
“She knew I was interested in sustainability and the environment, so she found out about Steward Fellows and enrolled me,” Claire says.
Steward Fellows is a six-week paid summer internship and career readiness program for high school students, often their first job experience. Lessons from over fifteen local topic experts in solar energy, gardening, financial literacy, health, conservation, and more provide opportunities for students to explore career pathways available to them directly in their community. Through thoughtful dialogue, community projects, and mentorships, Fellows gain practical work experience that stays with them throughout their personal and professional lives.
At first, Claire didn’t have any expectations for the program, but what she got from the experience ended up completely transforming her path.
Claire on a group bike ride as a Steward Fellow as part of Healthy Lifestyles week.
“It really shaped my future goals,” Claire reflected. “I knew I loved the environment and I knew that I loved law and policy…so I decided to combine the two, and ultimately my goal is to become an environmental justice attorney.”
Now a 21-year-old junior at Allen University in Columbia, SC, Claire is majoring in Social Science with a concentration in Pre-Law. Looking back, she sees her time in the Steward Fellows program as the moment she brought her passion to life and began discovering more about herself and her future.
The hands-on learning was what surprised Claire the most. From testing soil and water to starting compost bins, Claire found herself immersed in topics that touched every part of sustainability. One of her favorite memories was making sauerkraut for the first time during a workshop on gut health. “It was even more special because I made it,” she recalls.
Beyond these experiences, Claire says Steward Fellows helped her grow as a leader. It taught her how to work with others, how to listen, and how to step back when needed. It also sparked new interests such as healthy eating and cooking, which have stayed with her since.
For Claire, environmental justice is about more than just protecting nature. It’s about educating people, breaking myths, and making sure everyone, especially the younger generation, has the knowledge and tools to care for their communities.
Sixteen-year-old Claire cleaning the chicken coop at the Annie’s House garden.
“The youth are our future,” Claire asserts. “This is an important topic and should stay relevant.”
At Sustaining Way, it stays relevant. The Steward Fellows program has run for almost a decade and continues to inspire youth like Claire. Her story is just one example of how Steward Fellows is shaping the next generation of young leaders who are passionate, informed, and ready to create a world where all neighborhoods, people, and nature thrive.