FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 12, 2026
CONTACT:
Camille Soliva
Communications Specialist
csoliva@tenstrands.org
California Youth Lead the Way on Climate Policy, Graduating Third CYCP Cohort
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Ten Strands proudly celebrates the successful completion of the third cohort of the California Youth Climate Policy (CYCP) Leadership Program, a joint initiative in partnership with UndauntedK12 and the Sierra Club. The program culminated in a virtual graduation on January 15, marking the completion of seven months of learning, leadership development, and civic action. This year, forty-five high school students successfully graduated, joining a growing statewide network of youth leaders advancing climate policy and environmental literacy across California.
“Young people are demanding more from their education—the tools to understand climate change and the power to shape the future they will inherit,” said Stephanie Seidmon, Program Director, UndauntedK12. “We congratulate our third cohort of leaders who not only made change in their school districts, but who now understand what it takes to shape policy and participate in democracy—staying engaged through the slow, complex, and collective work required to turn ideas into lasting impact.”
Across its first three years, CYCP graduates collectively represent ten of the eleven California regions, twenty-four counties, and seventy-four school districts and educational networks, including public, charter, diocesan, and independent schools statewide. From the North Coast to the Inland Empire, and from rural communities to major urban centers, students have brought a wide range of lived experiences, perspectives, and motivations to their advocacy work, reflecting the geographic and cultural diversity of California’s school communities.
Program evaluation across all three cohorts demonstrates the transformative impact of CYCP on youth civic agency and climate leadership. 100 percent of students reported that after completing the program they know at least one way to affect change in their community. On average, 98 percent of participants felt more or much more hopeful about the climate crisis and their role in addressing it, and 97 percent agreed that the program deepened their belief in the importance of civic engagement and democratic participation.
“Through CYCP, we see students move from concern to action,” said Andra Yeghoian, Chief Innovation Officer, Ten Strands. “They build the skills to navigate systems, engage decision makers, and advocate for meaningful change, and it is inspiring to witness their growth in confidence and civic agency. It affirms the importance of equipping young people to shape the future of their communities.”
Building on the success of the first two cohorts, CYCP Cohort 3 reflected strong statewide interest and engagement from students eager to take meaningful action on climate issues in their school communities. Students represented a wide range of public, charter, and private schools and brought diverse lived experiences, perspectives, and motivations to their advocacy work.
CYCP’s mission is to empower students to meaningfully participate in democratic processes by influencing local school board policies that advance environmental and climate literacy and action. The program began in the summer with orientation and foundational learning, followed by the development of Personal Leadership Plans and student led advocacy campaigns. Throughout the fall and winter, students conducted research, built coalitions, and engaged with decision makers, culminating in presentations to school boards and a final graduation celebration in January.
Grounded in equity and intergenerational learning, CYCP emphasizes addressing climate injustice, creating platforms for youth leadership, and providing students with the tools needed to shape climate policy within their local contexts. Students were supported by a dedicated group of volunteer mentors, including returning mentors and program alumni, who provided monthly coaching and guidance. This intergenerational exchange, spanning high school students, college students, mid-career professionals, and retirees, enriches the learning experience and strengthens students’ confidence and civic agency.
As part of the program’s culmination, students completed reflective case studies documenting their advocacy journeys and the outcomes of their campaigns. These narratives highlighted the diversity of policy focus areas, community engagement strategies, and leadership growth across the cohort, illustrating the real-world impact of youth-driven climate advocacy. One alumnus reflected, “CYCP completely changed my leadership and advocacy skills for the better, and allowed me to break barriers I never thought I’d be able to touch. I’d tell my interested friends that if they had the time and passion, the program could help them grow while allowing them to create true change in their community.”
As Cohort 3 concludes, Ten Strands extends deep gratitude to the students, mentors, partners, and funders whose dedication and collaboration made this program possible. While the climate crisis can feel overwhelming, the work of these young leaders demonstrates what is possible when youth are trusted, supported, and equipped to lead. Their efforts underscore the transformative power of youth leadership in building a more just, resilient, and sustainable future.
Ten Strands looks forward to launching CYCP Cohort 4, with recruitment opening in the spring.
