In partnership with United Airlines, VERGE 19 empowers the upcoming generation of sustainable business leaders through the Emerging Leaders Scholarship. Scholars representing diverse backgrounds and experience levels are hand-selected from a competitive applicant pool to attend VERGE 19 — all expenses paid.  The Emerging Leaders Scholarship application is open until September 13.

There’s no better way to envision what’s possible tomorrow than by understanding what’s already possible today. VERGE builds a microgrid onsite to demonstrate the potential for distributed energy systems, which is why GreenBiz is pleased to offer customized tours to select groups, facilitating educational opportunities for young people and those interested in the energy systems of the future.

In partnership with the Local Government Commission, VERGE 19 is providing scholarships to the next generation of sustainability leaders who are building capacity for local governments to address emerging environmental and social equity resilience challenges. Through national service, CivicSpark Fellows dedicate their time to a range of issues, including climate adaptation, water resource management, affordable housing and mobility.

Monday, October 21, Tuesday, October 22, and Wednesday, October 23 at 10AM-3PM

Experience firsthand the future of shared mobility on the water with Schiller Bikes. Show up anytime between 10AM-3PM for a 10 minute demo of the Schiller Water Bikes on the Oakland Estuary separating the cities of Oakland and Alameda. Please meet Schiller Bike representatives in front of Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar in Jack London Square (~10 minutes walk from the Convention Center; see map here). The ride will be dry and there is no need to bring a change of clothes.

Tuesday, October 22 at 8:30-11:30AM

Help American Forests plant trees in Oakland! Trees are nature’s best carbon sequestration technology, and urban trees provide extra benefits to cities, including keeping cities 5° to 7° cooler on hot summer days. Come help us expand the tree canopy in Oakland and learn how to calculate the benefits of trees using the i-Tree urban forestry tool. Help us make a difference in the city hosting VERGE while simultaneously learning more about the powerful role urban forests can play as a natural climate solution.

Sign up for the planting activity here. 

Monday, October 21 at 9:00-11:30AM

Join REI Outdoor Programs for a five mile hike in Oakland's Redwood Regional Park. Diverse wildlife and burbling creeks provide a beautiful backdrop for a moderate hike through the shady redwood forest. You must have purchased an All-Access pass in order to participate. Spaces are limited to 15.

Sign up for the hike here. 

Tuesday, October 22 at 9:00AM-12:00PM

Paddle Richmond Marina's diverse and historic waterfront with REI Outdoor Programs. Explore the history of Kaiser Shipyards and Rosie the Riveter Monument by kayak and discover the rich history of and impact of the area during World War II. Venture out to Brookes Island. Skirting the nature preserve you can expect to see Caspian Terns, Herons and scenic views of the San Francisco to Mt. Tamalpais. All required gear will be provided. You must have purchased an All-Access pass to participate. Spaces are limited to 12.

Sign-up for the paddle activity here.