Jerome Foster II facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jerome Foster II
Jerome Foster II, in 2022
Member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council
Incumbent
Assumed office March 29, 2021
President	Joe Biden
Preceded by	Office established
Personal details
Born	(2002-05-09) May 9, 2002 (age 23) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Domestic partners	Elijah McKenzie-Jackson (2021–present; engaged 2023)
Occupation	Climate Justice Activist
Signature

Jerome Foster II (born May 9, 2002) is an American environmental activist. He is known for being the youngest White House advisor in United States history. He serves on the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. This council helps the Biden administration make decisions about the environment.

Jerome is a strong voice for communities that are often overlooked. He works to make sure everyone has a fair chance at a healthy environment. He is also a main organizer for Fridays for Future. He held weekly climate strikes outside the White House for over a year. Before this, he was an intern for U.S. Representative John Lewis at age 16. He also served on the Washington D.C. State Board of Education's Advisory Council when he was 14.

Jerome has helped plan some of the biggest climate marches in Washington, D.C.. He has spoken at the United Nations about human rights and climate change. He became well-known after organizing climate strikes and being interviewed by former Vice President Al Gore.

Early Life and Education

Jerome Foster II was born in Washington, D.C., on May 9, 2002. His parents are René Foster and Jerome Foster Sr. He went to Washington Leadership Academy High School and finished in June 2020. In 2019, he was chosen to attend Harvard University for a summer program. After high school, he began studying computer science at Pace University.

Environmental Activism

TAU VR

When Jerome was 14, he started an organization called TAU VR. This group created virtual reality experiences. These experiences taught people about American History, Climate Change, and other important topics. In 2017, TAU VR was shown on a TV special called XQ Super School Live. This show was on major TV channels like ABC and CBS. It highlighted his achievement of placing third in the World Series of Entrepreneurship.

The Climate Reporter

In November 2017, Jerome founded The Climate Reporter. This is an international news outlet led by young people. It focuses on reporting news about climate change.

White House Climate Strikes

Jerome organized weekly climate strikes in front of the White House. These strikes were part of Greta Thunberg's School Strike for Climate movement. On September 13, 2019, Greta Thunberg joined Jerome's strike. Thousands of people came to support the protest that day. Through these strikes, Jerome also met actress Jane Fonda. He has since worked with her on her "Fire Drill Fridays" events.

OneMillionOfUs

Jerome Foster II started OneMillionOfUs in early 2019. This is an international non-profit group for young people. It helps young people learn about voting and how to make a difference. The group aims to "educate, empower and mobilize" young people to be active in their communities. OneMillionOfUs works with other youth movements. These movements focus on topics like climate change, immigration reform, and racial equality.

Public Service and Politics

District of Columbia State Board of Education

At 15 years old, Jerome became the only student on the District of Columbia State Board of Education's High School Graduation Requirements Task Force. He worked to update high school graduation rules for students starting in 2030.

Congressional Internship

When he was 16, Jerome became an intern for U.S. Representative John Lewis. During his internship, he continued his weekly climate rallies. These rallies were held at the White House gates. He advocated for the Climate Change Education Act. This act would add environmental education as a main subject in all American schools. It would also provide money for colleges to research the climate crisis.

The Biden Administration

On March 29, 2021, the White House announced Jerome's new role. He became an advisor on the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. In this role, he gives advice on how to address environmental injustice.

Honors and Awards

• World Series of Entrepreneurship – 2017
• D.C. State Board of Education Leadership and Commitment Award – 2018
• Union of Concerned Scientists' Defender of Science Award – 2019
• Audubon Naturalist Society 2020 Youth Environmental Champion Award
• Grist 50! Environmental Fixer Achievement – 2020
• The Root's Young Futurist Achievement – 2020
• Captain Planet Foundation Young Superhero for Earth Award – 2022
• Business Insider Climate Action 30 Achievement – 2022

Filmography