Ten Strands leads or supports several youth engagement initiatives that aim to empower youth environmental and climate action.
California Youth Environmental Data Leadership Program
Ten Strands is excited to launch the California Youth Environmental Data Leadership Program (CYED)—a new initiative that empowers California high school students (grades 9–12) to become community scientists and environmental data leaders.
About the Program
CYED is a statewide co-curricular program where students assess environmental and climate action on their school campuses through guided, data-driven projects. Students build skills in data literacy, systems thinking, and civic leadership while contributing meaningful data to support climate-ready school policy.
Participants meet twice a month in virtual sessions and conduct fieldwork at their school sites. Each student produces a School Environmental & Climate Action Baseline Report and a case study presentation.
The California Youth Climate Policy (CYCP) Leadership Program
This youth leadership program — a collaboration between the Sierra Club, Ten Strands, and UndauntedK12 — empowers high school students to drive climate action within their schools. The program guides students from knowledge to action, preparing them to influence climate policy and foster transformational change in California’s education system. Participants apply their learning by leading campaigns to pass or enhance climate policies within their schools or districts.
Summer Student Internship Opportunities
Ten Strands offers diverse student internship opportunities, fostering growth for interns and our organization. Projects include data analysis, research, synthesis, communications, and addressing environmental and climate action in schools. Interns engage in activities such as gathering and analyzing data, conducting research, and contributing to outreach efforts. These experiences are designed to provide valuable learning opportunities while aligning with our commitment to equity and inclusion.