Jason Spencer
Jason Spencer is the project director of Green Light Get Outside, a California-based nonprofit project that provides middle school students—especially those from historically underserved communities—with a transformative yearlong experience that integrates classroom curriculum, consistent outdoor learning, and awe-inspiring adventures in nature with long-term mentorship. Green Light GO is a fiscally sponsored project of Inquiring Systems, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to advancing systems-level change for the public good. Jason’s work is grounded in a core belief: Access to nature is a powerful catalyst for healing, belonging, and educational equity. Under his leadership, Green Light GO is becoming a powerful model for how place-based learning and nature-connected education can support the whole child and reengage students who often fall through the cracks of traditional systems. Prior to founding Green Light GO, Jason served at the California Department of Education as principal advisor to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. He helped shape policy to expand environmental literacy, social-emotional learning, career technical education, and whole-child approaches across California’s public schools. He also previously held key roles in the California State Legislature, advocating for youth development, community well-being, and education reform. Jason was also the founding owner of Smith Flat House, a historic Gold Country restaurant where he fused sustainable food practices with a deep commitment to local history and community gathering. This work reflected his broader vision: Stewardship of land, learning, and nourishment are all interconnected.
Jason Spencer is the project director of Green Light Get Outside, a California-based nonprofit project that provides middle school students—especially those from historically underserved communities—with a transformative yearlong experience that integrates classroom curriculum, consistent outdoor learning, and awe-inspiring adventures in nature with long-term mentorship. Green Light GO is a fiscally sponsored project of Inquiring Systems, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to advancing systems-level change for the public good. Jason’s work is grounded in a core belief: Access to nature is a powerful catalyst for healing, belonging, and educational equity. Under his leadership, Green Light GO is becoming a powerful model for how place-based learning and nature-connected education can support the whole child and reengage students who often fall through the cracks of traditional systems. Prior to founding Green Light GO, Jason served at the California Department of Education as principal advisor to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. He helped shape policy to expand environmental literacy, social-emotional learning, career technical education, and whole-child approaches across California’s public schools. He also previously held key roles in the California State Legislature, advocating for youth development, community well-being, and education reform. Jason was also the founding owner of Smith Flat House, a historic Gold Country restaurant where he fused sustainable food practices with a deep commitment to local history and community gathering. This work reflected his broader vision: Stewardship of land, learning, and nourishment are all interconnected.
