Isla Urbana USA’s student groups are a diverse network of young leaders from across the U.S., united by a common goal: bringing sustainable water solutions to communities in need. Since 2018, our chapters have steadily grown as more high school and university students join each year.

These dynamic teams support Isla Urbana’s mission by fundraising, organizing events, raising awareness, and participating in hands-on initiatives. As “Student Rainmakers,” they champion water autonomy and amplify our impact by inspiring their peers to take action against water scarcity, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among more young people. With each new group, our network grows and the movement for clean, reliable water access in Mexico gains even more momentum.

Why Students are Vital to Our Mission

We look forward to continuing to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation of environmental leaders. We are excited to see how the experiences gained in Mexico will influence these students’ futures, whether it be their academic paths, career choices, or continued commitment to sustainability. As they return to their communities, the impact of their work in Mexico will ripple outward, cultivating a brighter future for both the U.S. and Mexico through the power of education, collaboration, and community-driven action.

Student Summer Program

Building on the success of our student groups, the Isla Urbana USA Student Summer Program offers a transformative week-long adventure in Mexico City. Here, students immerse themselves in a vibrant culture, explore the complexities of water scarcity in Mexico, and actively contribute to the solution by installing rainwater harvesting systems. Evelyn Blanco, a 2024 Student Summer Program attendee, expresses the importance of the experience, stating:

By working alongside Isla Urbana team members and connecting with local communities, students gain a firsthand understanding of the true impact of their fundraising efforts. Installing systems they’ve helped fund for a community they can visit truly brings the cause to life. Meeting locals and hearing their stories adds depth to the experience, granting students the ability to connect with the faces and personal narratives behind the cause.

Samira Mehta participated in our Student Summer Program throughout high school and college before moving to Mexico to work as an intern with the organization. Reflecting on her experience, Samira shared:

“My journey with Isla Urbana has been the most rewarding and perspective-changing of my life. I’m constantly growing, whether it’s by learning to live within another culture, mastering a second language, or challenging my own views on how to empower communities.”

Traveling, experiencing a new culture, and meeting people with perspectives different from your own enriches these students’ worldviews, shaping them into more compassionate, thoughtful, and understanding leaders. Another 2024 Student Summer Program attendee, Anusri Chinni, recalls:

Last year, our largest cohort yet—25 students and 5 chaperones—installed four residential rainwater harvesting systems, benefiting four families and improving the lives of 24 people. During the week, students also participated in rainwater harvesting workshops, planted 100 Ahuejote trees, painted a vibrant mural, observed Chalchiuhtlicue Primary School’s Rain School Program, and sponsored the installation of a new Rural Rain School at Primaria Rural Tata Vasco in Tlalpujahua, Michoacán. This year, we’re planning to explore iconic landmarks like the pyramids of Teotihuacán and the colorful canals of Xochimilco!

The post Engaging USA’s Youth: How Student Rainmakers Drive Our Mission appeared first on Isla Urbana USA.

In the same spirit of recognizing how our rainmakers drive this progress, we’d like to share the words of a few of the 3,269 beneficiaries of our rainwater harvesting and purification systems, highlighting how your support has transformed their lives.

Residential Systems

Carlos’ statement highlights the transformative power of this rainwater harvesting technology in regions where access to clean water has long been a challenge. For families like this, a reliable water source means not only improved health and hygiene, but also a significant reduction in the time and effort spent securing water for daily needs. As Pablo Flores, a rainwater harvester from Tlamacazapa, Guerrero, shares:

These systems play a crucial role in addressing gender disparities, as women and children are often tasked with the strenuous and time-consuming duty of finding clean water. They are able to reclaim their time by pursuing education, employment, and entrepreneurship to contribute to the socioeconomic development of their communities.

Moreover, children are given the opportunity to simply be children—playing, learning, and imagining a brighter future without the constant worry of water scarcity. Children are finally free to embrace their childhood, focusing on gaining knowledge and having fun, rather than survival. As Daniel Martínez García, a rainwater harvester from Génova, Oaxaca, explains to us:

School Systems

In 2024, 10 rainwater harvesting systems were installed in schools across Mexico. These systems do more than provide clean water to staff and students—they create an environment where learning abilities can thrive without the constant disruption caused by a lack of water. For many concerned families, the lack of clean water has been a major barrier to consistent school attendance. If your child couldn’t wash their hands to prevent illness at school, would you feel comfortable sending them everyday? By ensuring a reliable water source, these systems alleviate parental concerns and encourage children to stay in school, fostering a healthier and more productive learning environment.

The impact of these systems goes beyond the classroom. Research shows that each additional year a girl stays in school can increase her future income by 20%, contributing to long-term socioeconomic benefits for both individuals and communities. With access to clean water, students—especially girls—can focus on their studies without the burden of fetching water, opening doors to greater opportunities and brighter futures. María Esther García, a student at Centro de Bachillerato Tecnológico Agricultural Teocuatlán, San José Tenango explains:

The Isla Urbana Rain Schools program not only installs the systems, but it  provides knowledge and resources for harnessing rainwater comprehensively within schools, while also educating and advocating for better water practices. Each school participating in the program must establish a dedicated Rain Committee composed of students, teachers, and parents who oversee the system’s maintenance, ensure its efficient operation, and support its long-term sustainability. A representative from the Arturo de la Garza González Primary School recounts:

“This is a very good project for the entire educational community. Firstly, we are teaching students, who will be the next generation of citizens, about the significant commitment to sustainable water use, which will shape them as more aware and responsible individuals. Secondly, it allows parents to participate and feel engaged with these projects. This process will enable the school to improve in various aspects related to sustainable practices over time.”

This program not only empowers water-scarce communities to adopt autonomous and sustainable water management practices, but it also instills a sense of responsibility and awareness in students, preparing them to become advocates and guardians of their local resources. The principal of Arturo de la Garza González Primary School states:

“I believe that any project representing innovation for the school, aiming to bring us closer to sustainable development, will translate into a meaningful learning experience for the school community and signifies great support for us. The ability to collect rainwater seems like a fantastic idea: being able to harness the physical phenomenon of water, evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, to capture this resource and learn the technique for water harvesting.”

Emergency Systems

“It’s great that they see us. Help never comes here; it all goes to the tourist area.”

These words highlight the importance of the Rainwater Brigade’s mission—not only to provide immediate relief but also to ensure that marginalized communities are not left behind in times of crisis. By prioritizing areas often overlooked in disaster recovery efforts, the initiative fosters resilience and restores hope in the face of adversity.

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