Youth Climate Leadership Program

Mass Audubon's Youth Climate Leadership Program (YCLP) is a youth-led, action-oriented climate action immersion program aimed at creating a space for:

• Learning
• Conversation
• Networking
• and Youth-led climate solutions

In partnership with local schools, nonprofits, research institutions, and universities, the YCLP pairs youth with experts and mentors to guide innovative climate action ideation.

Our year-long program doesn't end with brainstorming. We support our youth in creating, developing, and managing Climate Action Projects—tangible climate actions implemented in local schools and Massachusetts communities.

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How it Works

The Youth Climate Leadership Program is a multi-level immersion in youth empowerment and leadership, culminating in actionable projects that combat climate change with a local focus.

Step 1 – Ask & Imagine

Youth convene mid-fall through Youth Climate Summits, hosted by Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries, for the first step in the program. In partnership with Mass Audubon staff, local experts, and mentors, youth collectively tackle the question: "How can we act on climate in our communities?" Participants collaborate with each other to begin imagining what community-level climate action could look like and brainstorm the subject of their Climate Action Projects.

Step 2 – Plan & Act

After the Youth Climate Summits, mentors continue to guide participant groups to develop climate literacy and professional skills. The second step in our program equips youth with tools necessary to plan and implement their ambitious, innovative Climate Action Projects.

Step 3 – Evaluate & Share

By the end of spring, youth participants will have not only collectively imagined their projects, they will have also put their projects into action. The final step in our program convenes youth to share the product of their hard work through Youth Climate Showcases. Participants will evaluate their work—along with any data they collected on project outcomes—and navigate how to improve their project for sustainable, and growing, climate action past the program.

Toolkit for Youth Climate Leaders

Mass Audubon's Statewide Youth Climate Leaders took what they've learned and created a guide to forming and managing a youth-led climate group.

Our Goal

We're working to expand these summits across the Commonwealth, providing every youth with access and opportunity to climate action community.

Get Involved

Our partners are indispensable in supporting our youth in professional development, climate literacy, and climate action. If you're an educator, industry expert, or potential volunteer, we need your help to make our vision a reality.

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