Since its launch in 2023, the California Youth Climate Policy (CYCP) Leadership Program has continued to flourish in every capacity: bolstering student confidence, enhancing knowledge of advocacy campaigns, and reinforcing their commitment to civic engagement. Engaging forty climate activists from over twenty-four school districts across California, student advocacy campaigns have covered resolutions, board policies, administrative regulations, and policy implementation, all centered around themes of environmental literacy, climate emergency, and more! Over the sixth-month duration of the CYCP program, students learned how to create an advocacy campaign from start to finish, create coalitions between various constituents and the school board, and engage in lifelong conversations that will benefit future climate advocates.
All students completed a case study reflection and a capstone oral presentation at the program end. One case study that illustrates the power of the program is an advocacy campaign focused on integrating environmental education into their respective school. Sathvika Arumilli, representing the Santa Clara County Unified School District, crafted a policy that effectively balanced raising awareness with providing reassurance. Through meticulous planning and collaboration, she secured a slot to present her proposal at her school’s board meeting, demonstrating her dedication to effecting change. “Support was hard to gain at my school . . . I had just transferred to my school at the beginning of tenth grade so a lot of people did not know me yet,” Sathvika shared. She is currently awaiting input from her school’s executive director and assistant to further refine and update her proposal, with the goal of presenting it again at an upcoming board meeting.
Sathvika’s case study is just one example of those students who completed their project advancing their advocacy campaigns. Several students engaged in various activities to support their campaigns. Some presented at board meetings, while others made public comments or met directly with board members. Additionally, numerous videos were created to bolster these efforts, with a handful of students presenting in person at the beginning of the year. Over the course of the program, students self-reported an increase in confidence discussing climate change with their peers and adults. Furthermore, at the end of the program 100% of students agreed or strongly agreed that this program furthered their understanding of civics and democracy and 100% of the students were able to identify at least one method to effect change in their community as a result of participating in the program.
Our program evaluation helps us understand how students feel before entering a rigorous program intended to create policy change in their communities. It also provides a means for students to track their progress from beginning to end.
The inaugural cohort of CYCP holds a special significance, not only for Ten Strands and program partners, Sierra Club and UndauntedK12, but also for the students who will follow in their footsteps. When we launched this program, there was an overwhelming number of applicants making it evident that our youth are eager to make a difference in their schools and local communities. A participant from the first cohort expressed, “It’s been an amazing experience to realize my potential. I am so thankful for this program for equipping me with that not only for my future but for right now. It was also amazing to see so many other students striving for a better world and participating in making change.”
Following the success of the pilot cohort, where passionate young leaders sparked change within their communities, we are eager to continue nurturing the next generation of climate advocates! With the support of our program partners, staff, and mentors, we look forward to continuing to facilitate remarkable transformations. If you know of someone who is interested, applications for cohort two are now available, with the deadline set for May 27.
We also have a new series, “The CYCP Changemaker Profiles,” a collection of conversations with program alumni who share their experiences and provide updates on the progress of their advocacy campaigns initiated during the pilot. You can read Sathvika Arumilli and Nupur Bhalla‘s profiles and watch their interviews on our YouTube channel.
