Start a Youth Climate Institute Chapter

Building the Next Generation of Climate Leaders

Through this powerful program, students become Climate Ambassadors—empowered to lead real action in their communities that addresses the effects of climate change on human health, ecosystems, and the economy.

Meet One on One

Start a chapter

Thinking of starting a chapter?

Join one of our upcoming interest meetings! Simply select a date below and RSVP to receive your virtual meeting link.

Please note that these meetings are all in Eastern Time.

October 13 @ 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm EDT

October 27 @ 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm EDT

November 18 @ 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm EST

View All Meetings

None of these times work for you?

Schedule a quick 15-minute consultation with a member of the YCI team!

schedule a one-on-one meeting

Who Can Start a Chapter?

Chapters are often led by high school teachers, but any adult can start a chapter through a host organization, such as:

Schools
Nonprofits
Churches
Community Centers

Schools
Nonprofits
Churches
Community Centers

Leaders must follow their organization’s background check policy and hold meetings in public spaces.

Certified Ambassadors strengthen their resumes and receive compostable graduation cords to show off their environmental knowledge and leadership!

What Students Gain

Through the YCI program, students become certified Climate Ambassadors, taking real action in their communities to address climate change and its impacts on:

Human health
Ecosystems & biodiversity
Local economies

What’s Included for Chapters

Full support and resources from YCI, including:

Access to our member platform

with resources, networking tools, and student progress tracking

Join live and recorded workshops  

led by climate experts and education professionals

Get step-by-step guides  

and templates to help students plan and lead action projects

Ongoing support from YCI staff  

to guide you through each phase of the program

Earn sustainable swag and cords

to celebrate student milestones and certification

Professional development sessions

and peer collaboration opportunities for chapter leaders

Get Certified as a Climate-Ready School/Center

Schools and host sites that lead active chapters and certify students annually can earn official YCI recognition as a Gold (1-5 years), Platinum (6-10 years), or Diamond (11+ years) school or center!

Start a Chapter

YCI has been an amazing opportunity for my students to explore the science behind climate change as well as individual actions they can take to reduce their own impact. My students are empowered to have not only knowledge about problems, but also knowledge about how they can be part of the solution.

Shari Rosenberg

chapter leader, Oakland Mills High School

In just our first year of working with YCI, I’ve personally witnessed all of our students and the teachers exhibit a tremendous growth in their agency and efficacy in leadership, STEM and environmental stewardship. Just this summer, several of our green team members received STEM- based internships focused around sustainability.

Mashika Tempero

chapter leader, Selma High School

Exposing students to various areas of climate action is a part of education that encourages responsible stewards of the planet. The students who volunteer are naturally curious, bring their own ideas to the club, and carry the information they’ve learned into their homes and communities. Having an organization that recognizes students’ efforts, provides support, and a network for students to continue those efforts is invaluable.

Anecia Tongue

chapter leader, Bowie High School

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to participate?

Students in any high school year are eligible to join their local YCI chapter. There are no course or grade requirements to apply.

We recommend that students join in their sophomore or junior years to give them the opportunity to continue on to become a Certified Ambassador with Honors and reap the networking and career benefits for students preparing for continuing education or to enter the workforce.

What is the cost to start a chapter?

Chapter fees are $385/yr. This provides Chapters with access to our live and recorded zoom workshops, an extensive library of climate lessons, resources and activities as well as staff support for your chapter and opportunities to connect and share with other chapter leaders. Your students will receive access to the YCI portal to connect with their peers, learn about college and career opportunities, get support and resources and order YCI swag, like our compostable graduation cords.

My school is entirely virtual. Can we still participate?

Yes! Several of our active chapters meet virtually.

However, when it comes to action projects, it’s best to try to have hybrid meetings as possible. If this is not doable for your chapter, make sure students can do their part to participate either online or independently.

Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about accommodating virtual activities!