Launched in response to Hurricane Harvey, National Wildlife Federation's (NWF) Resilient Schools and Communities (RiSC) program is designed to help local communities better understand and address their vulnerability to climate change. This student led program raises awareness of climate science and also builds community resilience by designing nature based solutions to help mitigate local flooding, reduce storm water runoff and improve water quality.

In Channelview, Texas, Channelview High School students collaborated with NWF's RiSC program, working in partnership with Channelview ISD and the Channelview Health and Improvement Coaltion (C.H.I.C.) to create a pocket prairie at the Channelview Sport Complex. The beauty of the project lies in the collaboration. It was chosen, implemented and funded in part by the community. Carolyn Stone, the Founder of C.H.I.C. said it best, " Through teamwork, challenges, and a deep love for our community, our pocket prairie how larger environmental issues can be addressed through small scale projects that can be replicated in other community areas or at our homes to shape a more sustainable and hopeful future. This is more than a garden. It's a movement. It's change for Channelview."

Nature based solutions to climate change help communites become more resilient to flooding. Through the RiSC program's place and project-based framework, NWF engages teachers and youth from Title I public schools and their communities in the Houston area in climate resilience education. Teams of students, teachers and communtiy members study their watershed, conduct community vulnerability assessments and community surveys, campus site assessments and they engage in inquiry based field experiences to inform the selection of a green infrastructure project for their community.

RiSC is a 2 year program. First year projects are campus based and second year projects are community based.