Youth & Students — High Atlas Foundation

Youth & Students

A Multi-layered Approach

Our youth and student programs are rooted in a commitment to fostering a love of and care for the natural world in the next generation. Our vision merges environmental regeneration with engaged, motivated students who are interested in and excited about the world they live in.

In many areas, access to education is still a challenge. We seek to address the present state of the Moroccan school system and support students by addressing their needs, strengthening their capacities, and working towards equitable and effective education strategies.

Current Projects

Over the years, we've engaged Morrocan youth in a variety of ways. Here are some of the programs we're implementing right now.

University Study Abroad Programs

We collaborate with leading international universities to offer immersive, hands-on study abroad experiences that connect students with real-world development work. Over the years, we’ve proudly hosted programs for institutions such as the University of Virginia, Princeton University, George Mason University, and many others, fostering cross-cultural exchange and global learning in impactful ways.

Youth Conservation Corps

Our partnership with the United States Forest Service for the pilot program of YCC Morocco provides a residency program for young Moroccans to learn new skills and build capacity for environmental stewardship and advocacy.

Legal Clinic

Our legal clinic program gives university students from leading Moroccan law schools real-world practice, providing free legal aid to underserved communities in Marrakech, Fes, and Oujda.

Environmental Education

We provide engaging, hands-on workshops to schools around Morocco where students have the opportunity to not only learn about the environment, but understand the value of becoming responsible, engaged stewards of their ecosystems in the present and future.

“I’m nine years old, and this is the first time I’ve ever planted a tree. I’m so happy to attend the tree planting event, and now I want to go home and plant more trees. Shokran!”

Student participant in Sami’s Project

“Each of us personally handled case files, ensuring utmost privacy and safeguarding personal data. We meticulously studied and categorized these files, determining the need for legal intervention. Subsequently, we reached out to concerned parties using their preferred communication methods. The fruitful discussions and consultations resulted in successful case closures.”

Student, University Cadi Ayyad in Marrakech

"I assumed IMAGINE would address those beliefs and attempt to upend the gender norms in Morocco that keep women from fully and comfortably participating in Moroccan society. IMAGINE was not that. The focus was more on individual empowerment - taking stock of one’s life, finding areas for improvement, and learning how to attain that improvement. While it did encourage a mindset shift, that shift seemed to be towards positive thinking rather than radical social change."

HAF-UVA Intern - Summer 2022

"The collaboration between the High Atlas Foundation and American Academy Casablanca has been a transformative experience for our IB students. [...] The workshop at the Akrich Nursery not only educated our students about the foundation's impactful work but also provided them with a hands-on opportunity to contribute alongside dedicated volunteers. We look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration."

Ms. Hannah, IB CAS Coordinator, American Academy Casablanca

“Describing the [Legal Clinic] experience feels inadequate. It not only honed our communication skills but also ignited a passion for volunteering and aiding vulnerable communities. This journey made us feel like genuine contributors to society, fostering a deep-seated desire to continue making a positive impact.”

Student participant in the Legal Clinic

“C'était une excellente expérience,très enrichissante que ce soit académique ou au niveau du développement personnel, je tiens à remercier le Prof. Aynaou et Mlle Sanae et toutes les personnes qui ont participé.”

Student, University Mohamed I, Oujda

"This is the first time for me not to feel excited about a ‘holiday’ because all I want is to spend most of my time involved with HAF and the activities carried out."

University student / volunteer

“Our journey was marked by collaboration—students, professors, and all contributors working harmoniously. Providing legal consultations became a gateway to practical realities, fostering the development of communication skills and the seamless integration of theoretical knowledge with real-world situations.”

Student, University Cadi Ayyad in Marrakech

"I will miss Morocco and the people I have met along the way. This trip has helped me to evaluate how I think about development and policies surrounding development, my own role in the development process, my future career plans, and how to apply concepts cross-culturally. I am grateful for this opportunity to learn more about Morocco and myself; however, I am also looking forward to going home and seeing my family and friends back in the states. I hope to apply everything I have learned back in the U.S. in the organizations I am a part of and eventually my future workplace."

HAF-UVA Intern - Summer 2023

"لقد كانت هذه الدورة غنية بالمعلومات القانونية مدعمة باشكالات حاول القضاء المغربي معالجتها عن طريق الاجتهادات القضائية. بإضافة إلى محاولة وضعنا في الصورة عن طريق حالات مستوحاة من الواقع . وشكرا للاستاذ الربيعي على هذه المعلومات."

Student, University Mohamed I, Oujda

"The legal clinic allowed me to participate in numerous activities and training sessions, which positively impacted my academic journey and broadened my exposure to various fields. It also reinforced principles of cooperation and solidarity in providing legal services to underprivileged families..."

Student, University Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah in Fes

"نود أن نعبر عن أسمى عبارات الشكر والتقدير لمؤسسة الأطلس الكبير التي أتاحت لنا هذه الفرصة المتميزة لتطوير مهاراتنا واكتساب الخبرة والتجربة من خلال التكوينات الموازية التي وفرتها لنا. كما نتوجه بجزيل الشكر إلى الأساتذة المشرفين على هذه الدورات، وبالأخص الأستاذ رابح أيناو، الذي تميز بأسلوبه الاحترافي والفعال في إيصال الأفكار وتقاسمها مع الباحثين، مما سيترك أثرا إيجابيا ملموسا في تطوير مهاراتنا داخل العيادة القانونية.ولا يفوتنا أن نشكر مديرة هذا المشروع، الأخت سناء، التي طالما قدمت لنا نصائحها وتوجيهاتها القيمة، وحرصت على توفير بيئة عمل مثالية تسودها روح التعاون والتواصل الإيجابي مع الجميع دون استثناء. إن إخلاصها وتفانيها في إنجاح هذا المشروع كان لهما بالغ الأثر في دعم مسيرتنا المهنية وتعزيز تجربتنا العملية.جزيل الشكر والتقدير للجميع على كل ما قدمتموه لنا."

Student, University Mohamed I, Oujda

“Our involvement led to more than 150 legal consultations, each contributing to our profound understanding of the complexities involved. The depth of this experience warrants repetition, reflecting its undeniable value and impact.”

Student, University Cadi Ayyad in Marrakech

"My experience at the legal clinic was exceptional and transformative, especially for me as an economics student. It was an enriching addition to my personal and professional growth. This is a civic initiative that offers numerous training opportunities, aiming to create a legally aware generation that understands societal needs and possesses an entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit."

Student, University Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah in Fes

Moving forward, I will implement the lessons I have learned, and constantly work to find my Akrich.

HAF-UVA Intern - Summer 2024

Measurable Outcomes

Discover the benefits communities have experienced from our work with youth and students.

60K+

carob, olive, pomegranate, fig, almond, walnut, and argan trees planted with the pilot YCC program

100

Moroccan youth from different regions (half being young women and girls) participated in Be Green, an Earth Day series of workshops at the Casablanca American Space, Dar America

~25K

trees planted with nearly 350 schools in 22 provinces in partnership with PaperSeed Foundation, International Foundation, Rotary Clubs, Embassy of Switzerland in Rabat, and G4S North and West Africa