Be the Change.
Lead the Future.
Billie Eilish believes in YOU—and so do we. Join the Youth Climate Institute and become part of the next generation of climate leaders.
Grammy-winner and climate activist Billie Eilish is backing YCI because she knows teens have the power to change the world. Ready to step up?
Why Become a Youth Climate Leader?
The climate crisis can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to tackle it alone. At YCI, you’ll gain the skills, confidence, and community to make real change—right now.
- Build leadership skills and confidence
- Connect with passionate peers and mentors
- Gain climate knowledge through real projects
- Make a lasting impact in your community
- Earn recognition and a certificate
Your Path to Climate Leadership
Joining YCI is simple—and powerful. Here’s how it works:
Apply Online
Complete a quick application with your interests and availability.
Join Training
Participate in engaging workshops led by experts and mentors.
Take Action
Plan and lead a hands‑on community project or event.
Graduate as a Leader
Earn recognition, a certificate, and join our alumni network.
What Our Youth Leaders Say
Ready to Lead the Climate Movement?
Be part of something bigger. Take the first step today.
Learning, Action, and Adventure
At YCI, you won’t just sit in a classroom—you’ll DO things that matter.
Workshops & Training
Hands‑on learning with experts to deepen understanding and build practical leadership skills.
Community Projects
Lead real change in your area with support, resources, and a clear project toolkit.
Youth Network
Be part of a movement of passionate teens collaborating across schools and towns.
“If every single person just did half of what they should do, we could fix this.”
(Vogue, Jan. 2021 – Billie Eilish cover story; also quoted in Business Insider, Jan. 2023)
About the Youth Climate Institute
The Youth Climate Institute (YCI) is a program of the Howard County Conservancy in Maryland. We started in 2021 after students asked for more ways to stay engaged with environmental education and climate action during the pandemic. The response was incredible—so many teens wanted in that we began launching new chapters across the country.
Today, YCI is active in multiple states and growing fast, empowering high school students to lead on climate issues. Backed by partners like Billie Eilish, Reverb, and leading environmental groups, we’re building a nationwide movement of youth climate leaders.
Got Questions?We’ve Got Answers.
Any high school student (ages 13–18) who cares about the climate and wants to take action.
Yes! Thanks to grants and support from leaders like Billie Eilish, YCI is free for students.
Not at all. We’ll give you the tools, training, and support you need to succeed.
Expect a few hours each month, with flexible projects and activities that fit into your schedule.
Your Voice Matters.Your Action Matters.
Billie believes in you. YCI believes in you. Now it’s time for YOU to step up.