This article discusses student leadership developed through an instructional approach to teach basic skills instruction within the context of climate hope, regeneration, and transformational resilience. The purposes of this approach are threefold: to develop student leadership, enhance basic skills instruction, and better prepare students for the workforce. Numerous motivations for including climate change in adult education curricula are given. Quotes from student leaders who emerged from classes taught in this context demonstrate that this framework both provides strong enhancement of basic skills instruction and facilitates leadership development, supporting students to become needed leaders within their families, workplaces, and larger communities. This instructional approach also prepares students entering workplace environments that are increasingly looking for employees knowledgeable about sustainability concerns. Specific teaching strategies and resources are referenced.