Starbucks Green Leadership Academy recognizes the community contributions of 21 graduates

The ceremony, held at Starbucks Hamra store, highlighted the accomplishments of the graduates including two projects at Batroun Public School which were developed and led by the GLA's students.

Starbucks partnered with AFDC to create GLA, a long-term socio-environmental initiative aimed at developing young environmental leaders. Students from a wide range of backgrounds were united by their eco-driven ambitions and desire to make positive contributions to their communities.

GLA Students over the course of the six month curriculum participated in 8 environmental courses led by AFDC instructors, and focused on two community projects to promote positive action in Lebanon.

The first project at Batroun Public School included building a rain water harvest system on the roof of the school, which was a successful pilot project that can be replicated in other schools.

The second project focused on the school's playground renovation where the GLA students planted trees, installed benches and painted the walls of the playground. In addition, GLA students organized a reforestation campaign and built invaluable partnerships with leading environmental organizations throughout Lebanon.

Rana Shaheen, regional communications and CSR manager at Starbucks MENA, said, "Starbucks believes in being a part of the communities where we do business and supporting youth leaders is a natural focus for us. We are deeply proud of the community-based conservation work that the GLA students are carrying out across Lebanon"

She added, "This could not have been achieved without the instrumental support of ADFC, our long-term partner and a leader in local environmental matters. And of course the 21 dedicated young environmental advocates who make and will continue to make big contributions to their communities and Lebanon."

Operating in the Arab world for the past 13 years, Starbucks employs more than 2,600 full-time partners (employees) and undertakes numerous community projects throughout the region to encourage its values of social development and environmental responsibility.