Last year, the California Youth Climate Policy (CYCP) Leadership Program hosted its inaugural cohort. The first cohort was a transformative platform for students to engage in meaningful climate policy work. The program’s pioneering efforts empowered California’s youth to take the lead on climate issues within their schools and communities, setting a new standard for youth-driven climate initiatives. Building on the success of its first year, Ten Strands is proud to work in partnership with UndauntedK12 and the Sierra Club to announce the launch of the second CYCP cohort.
Introducing the Second CYCP Cohort
This new group of aspiring climate leaders reflects the program’s continued commitment to empowering young people in climate advocacy and policy leadership. The program’s initial success sparked a high level of interest in the second cohort, with a diverse array of applicants eager to contribute to climate action.
Cohort Breakdown and Insights
The selection process for the new cohort was highly competitive, underscoring the dedication of California’s youth to address climate change and drive impactful policy changes. This year, the program welcomed a cohort of fifty-five students, chosen for their passion and potential in climate advocacy. The selected group represents a broad spectrum of grade levels, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and school types.
The cohort showcases strong geographical diversity, with youth climate leaders representing ten of the eleven California County Superintendents’ Service Regions, spanning across forty-one school districts and nineteen counties.
Beyond geographical diversity, the CYCP Leadership Program’s second cohort embodies a rich tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and personal narratives. The cohort is composed of about thirteen percent freshmen, twenty percent sophomores, thirty-six percent juniors, and thirty-one percent seniors, each bringing unique perspectives to the table. Among the student leaders, about seventy-three percent of students identify as non-white or mixed race, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity. While the majority of participants attend conventional public schools (about seventy-six percent), the cohort also includes about four percent of youth leaders from public charter schools and about twenty percent of students enrolled in private education, further enriching the diversity of educational experiences within the group.
This diversity enriches the cohort’s collective perspective on climate issues, ensuring a wide range of experiences and insights that will fuel their policy initiatives and advocacy efforts.
Mentorship and Support
Mentorship is a cornerstone of the CYCP Leadership Program, providing essential guidance as students navigate their advocacy campaigns. As with the first cohort, the Sierra Club continued to play a pivotal role in recruiting a team of skillful mentors who are dedicated to supporting the new cohort. These mentors bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in climate policy, advocacy, leadership, and navigating the formal education system, and they have already begun to provide invaluable support as the students begin their CYCP journey. The mentor role is crucial in helping youth leaders refine strategies as they develop and implement their projects, reflect on their growth as leaders, and achieve their goals.
Highlights from the CYCP Retreat
In early August, CYCP facilitators hosted the program’s opening retreat, which was designed to be an immersive experience that built a solid foundation in climate policy and advocacy for the youth climate leaders. Participants engaged in a series of activities aimed at deepening their understanding of the climate crisis and enhancing their leadership skills. The retreat also featured community-building exercises that allowed students to explore their emotions related to climate change, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support. Students shared their personal stories, expressed their frustrations and hopes, and found collective optimism through shared experiences. Reflecting on the experience, one student shared, “I really enjoyed the interaction I had with like-minded peers. . . . Directing the emotions I have about the climate issue into solving these problems was great advice! I look forward to delving into the research aspect of the CYCP program and implementing the knowledge I gain to help the environment.”
The retreat culminated in a panel of alumni from the inaugural cohort, who shared their experiences and insights from running climate advocacy campaigns. Their stories of triumphs and challenges provided valuable lessons for the new cohort. Kasch Marquardt, Cohort 1 alumnus, urged students to “keep persevering . . . CYCP provides the best foundation to build upon. . . . just don’t give up.” Sathvika Arumilli, Cohort 1 alumnus, shared a helpful piece of advice with the new cohort: “While environmental advocacy is about driving change, effective delivery is equally as crucial. . . . staying persistent and being strong enough is something that you will build through the program. The program guides you through the process that balances support and encouragement for independent work. You’re also fostering growth and resilience along the way.”
Cohort 2 students found the panel particularly inspiring, with one noting, “I really liked the guest speakers and listening to their story. It was very inspiring to see that students similar to me have in fact made change in their district.” The session highlighted the power of youth-led initiatives and the critical role of supporting young advocates with resources and mentorship to make impactful changes in their schools and communities.
Overall, the retreat provided a solid foundation for the students’ success in the program, equipping them with the knowledge, inspiration, and support needed to drive meaningful change during the rest of the program. One student expressed their enthusiasm, saying, “The retreat really fueled my passion. . . . I really appreciate this program helping me become more aware of the impact I can have on my community. I’m feeling a lot more confident now.” With this newfound confidence and passion, students are well prepared to embark on their climate advocacy journeys.
First Steps for CYCP’s New Cohort: August and September Workshops
Continuing this positive momentum, climate youth leaders and mentors came together for their first workshop on August 22, marking the beginning of their formal training. This session focused on developing key skills and strategies for effective climate advocacy, setting the stage for their upcoming projects and initiatives. The workshop provided a collaborative environment where students could start forming connections and laying the groundwork for their future work.
Building on this foundation, the students reconvened in September for a second workshop. With guidance from mentors, students identified goals and strategies for board policy actions in their local districts, and focused on building their coalitions to strengthen their impact.
The California Youth Climate Policy Leadership Program continues to make an impact by nurturing the next generation of climate leaders. The launch of the second cohort builds on the momentum of the inaugural year, further empowering youth to take actionable steps in addressing climate change. With a diverse and passionate group of students, and a robust support system in place, the anticipated impact of this new cohort is set to be both significant and inspiring, driving meaningful change across California and beyond.
