Are you ready to take action on climate change?
For youth in grades 9-12
The Youth Climate Leaders Academy is designed to support youth in grades 9-12 in planning and implementing projects that make a difference on climate change.
How it works:
1.) Build a team
Gather a group (2 or more) of like-minded folks. Then decide what climate issue you want to address in your school, community, state. Brainstorm some possible solutions...then decide on 1-2 ideas you think are impactful AND you are excited about. (We have resources & exercises to help you pick a project, or Join us for Pick A Project Day) Email Mariah and let us know if you'd like help! mariah@veep.org)
2.) Sign up and attend the YCLA Kick Off Retreat!
The Kick Off Retreat is a two day, youth-led event for teams from all over VT/NH to workshop their initial project ideas (with the support of peers, professional consultants and project advisors), into an actionable goal with a plan and time for implementation.
Between the focused work time are applicable skills workshops, led by a variety of professionals and youth, designed to help you learn and grow professional skills to make your project planning and implementation more successful. (2022 Skills Workshops)
There is also teambuilding, getting to know other youth who are as passionate about this work as you are, good food, relaxing atmosphere…and time to chill and have fun. (2022 Kick-Off Agenda)
3.) Project Implementation
As you leave the Kick-Off retreat inspired (we KNOW you will), your Project Advisor is there to support you and your team all along the way.
If you are in high school and want to make a difference on climate change and are looking to collaborate and grow the skills needed to make it happen, we look forward to having you be a part of the Youth Climate Leaders Academy.
(*Dual Enrollment credits and coordination with school based personalized learning are available options for this program see below).
Transportation: If transportation costs are a barrier, contact us!
Fall 2023
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Pick a project day: Friday september 29, 2023
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Location: Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, NH
Details: Join other VT and NH students interested in energy and climate action. We'll discuss our project ideas and plans, help each other troubleshoot, and build a support community of like-minded folks. Perfect for schools who are somewhat new to YCLA. Students/schools who attend this are encouraged to also attend the Kick-Off Retreat in December.
There is no cost to attend this event. If transportation costs are a barrier, grants are available through VEEP/NHEEP or the NH Environmental Educators.
Lunch will be provided to all participants who register by September 24, 2023. Participants who register after that date are still welcome to attend, but will need to provide their own lunch.
Thanks to the Harris Center for their generous donation of space.
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Kick-Off Retreat: December 1-2, 2023
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Location: Hulbert Outdoor Center, Fairlee, VT
REGISTRATION closed. Contact mariah@veep.org to be notified when registration opens for our 2023 event in the fall.
*Dual Enrollment: VT students can use their project as the basis of a dual enrollment course offered through Castleton University. If you are interested, indicate this in your registration or email mariah@veep.org for more info. If your school has an option for personalized (ELO) or service-learning, we can also work with you and the coordinator at your school to help you to earn credit for your project work.
Contact us with questions!
Email Mariah Keagy, Action Project Manager at mariah@veep.org, or fill out the interest form below to learn more.
NEWS:
Read about last year's projects in our 2021-2022 newsletter
Read an account of our 2022 YCLA retreat from student Grace webb
Looking to sponsor the event? Learn more here.
Fill out the interest form below and we will contact you when registration opens for Fall 2023