Applications are open for student youth leaders and adult mentors
Negar Souza
Be part of our fourth youth leadership cohort
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Dear Kelly,
The California Youth Climate Policy Leadership Program (CYCP) is returning for its fourth year! Applications are now open for student participants (incoming 9th-12th graders) and adult mentors across California.
The program - a partnership between Ten Strands, UndauntedK12, and the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter - empowers youth to take climate policy action into their own hands. Throughout the experience, participants learn about climate change, policy, advocacy, and coalition building, applying their knowledge and skills to lead a campaign to improve climate policy in their school district.
Along the way, participants receive mentoring from adult coaches and support to develop a personal leadership plan and advocacy campaign. Upon completion of the program, they are eligible to receive a $500 stipend.
Alumni agree: CYCP is transformative
We are currently recruiting both students and mentors from across California for the upcoming cohort:
- Student applications are due April 30, 2026
- Applicants will be notified in mid-June
- Program runs July 2026 – January 2027
Help us spread the word across the state!
- Know a high schooler? Forward this email and encourage them to apply.
- Have a few hours to give? Join us as an adult mentor (~4 hours per month from July to January) - it's one of the most rewarding things you'll do this year.
- Think of 3 people who would make great mentors and send this their way.
- Share this opportunity with your network on LinkedIn.
Thank you for helping us develop the next generation of California’s climate leaders!
With appreciation and determination,
Jonathan Klein
California parent and
CEO and Co-Founder
126 Climate Leaders and Counting
The California Youth Climate Policy Leadership Program celebrated the graduation of its third cohort of youth climate leaders in January, marking the culmination of seven months of learning, leadership development, and civic action. Forty-five students successfully completed the program, joining a growing statewide network of 126 youth leaders advancing climate policy in California’s schools and communities.
CYCP Student Op-Ed Calls for Cooling Schools
Karthik Meyyappan, a student-athlete at Folsom High School and a CYCP graduate, wrote a powerful op-ed published in the Sacramento Bee on March 23 detailing the urgent need for climate-resilient schools, which includes the need for cooling.
Senate Bill 1048 (Becker), to establish a State Seal of Climate Literacy, will be heard this coming Wednesday, April 8th in the Senate Education Committee. Join our coalition and urge a "YES" vote on SB 1048 today! In or near Sacramento? Show up in person at 9am to provide a ‘me too’ testimony.
From the San Diego Tribune: Its schools are falling apart, and voters won’t pass a bond. Could a little-used tactic help this district?
From the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA):
Climate-Resilient Schools: Leading for Health, Equity, and Sustainability
Our work is made possible by donations. Consider helping us support California schools to be safe, healthy, resilient places for all children.
