California Youth Climate Policy Leadership Program Celebrates Its Second Cohort
UndauntedK12 proudly celebrates the successful completion of the second cohort of the California Youth Climate Policy Leadership Program (CYCP), a joint program in partnership with TenStrands and the Sierra Club. Over the last six months, high school students from across California developed and implemented advocacy campaigns to pass climate policies in their school districts, advance climate literacy, and collaborate with peers to champion climate action in their communities. Over 40 students out of 200+ applications were selected to participate across a range of public schools, charter schools, and private independent and parochial schools across 9 of the state’s California’s 11 Education Service Regions.
During the fellowship, students were empowered to influence local school board policies to integrate environmental, climate literacy, and climate action initiatives. The program began in August with pre-learning modules, personal leadership plans, and the development of their advocacy campaigns. Students presented to their school boards in November. The program concluded with students reflecting on what they’ve learned, preparing case studies that highlight their campaign work, and delivering capstone oral presentations to peers, mentors, and guests.
Fellowship Highlights:
100% of students felt that they were capable of influencing sustainable change within their school or district after the fellowship program. This represents a 43% increase from a student survey conducted before the fellowship began.
97.5% of students felt more or much more hopeful about the climate crisis and their role in it because of this program.
Climate Fellow Spotlights:
Addie Luong, an eleventh grader in Folsom Cordova Unified School District, advocated for her district to prioritize climate action and address the current climate emergency. Addie shared “I hope to continue pursuing environmental policy and science [in college] to ensure more voices are heard, and the environment has more impactful advocates.”
Daniel Levy, an eleventh grader from Carlmont High School, advocated for a composting, recycling, and waste reduction policy in his high school. “This program gave me a strong feeling of hope that change can be enacted in spite of the concerns stemming from the worsening climate crisis and its existential threat to humanity. Finding glimmers of light in the face of darkness is imperative to advocating for change and persuading others to support change in communities.”
These young leaders are proof that change is possible when provided with a platform, a supportive community, and resources. Their efforts highlight the transformative power of youth leadership in building a more sustainable and equitable future. Learn more about the second cohort here.
