This post was written by Sarah Jo Szambelan and Clay Kilby, and originally appeared on http://www.thenextgeneration.org/blog.

Next Generation is a California-based nonprofit that promotes solutions to two of the biggest challenges confronting the next generation of Americans:  The risk of dangerous climate change, and the threat of diminished prospects for children and families.  ACE is proud to work with them on youth-focused solutions to climate change.

Last week we posted a video made by Julie Rivas, a California student concerned by the poor conditions and inefficient uses of energy in her school. Thanks to our friends at the Alliance for Climate Education, we have heard from even more students from schools across the state, and this week we’re sharing their stories.

School buildings matter. We know this. It’s why we’re still talking about Prop 39 and the Emergency Repair Program: Because schools are a great place to start building our clean energy future. Because we’ve seen the effects of poor ventilation that so many of these students describe. Because we know that not all schools are created equal, and that every child deserves and equal opportunity to succeed. Schools matter because kids matter, each and every one.