PROGRAM SUCCESS & TESTIMONIALS
100%
of students agreed or strongly agreed that this program built their leadership skills.
100%
of students agreed or strongly agreed that this program furthered their understanding of civics and democracy.
100%
of students felt that, as a student, they were capable of influencing sustainable change within their school or district.
100%
of students were aware of or familiar with any local climate change organizations, programs, policies, or initiatives.
MEET OUR ALUMNI CHANGEMAKERS
The CYCP Alumni Changemaker Stories series is a collection of extended conversations with CYCP alumni who are youth leaders in the environmental literacy and school climate policy space. Each alumni story contains a profile of the changemaker as well as a brief video interview.
Cohort 1
“I think it was super cool to see all of my hard work actually implemented through my school district...I could not have done it without the help of the program.”
Read Nupur's full profile
Watch Nupur's Changemaker Video
Cohort 1
"This program kickstarted me into the advocacy pathway . . . it was the initial step into a whole range of new opportunities for me."
Read Kasch's full profile
Watch Kasch's Changemaker Video
Cohort 1
"Changemakers are students that are interested in joining programs like the CYCP leadership program. Stay curious, stay persistent, and stay open-minded."
Read Sathvika's full profile
Watch Sathvika's Changemaker Video
Cohort 1
“I am so thankful for this whole initiative and the CYCP program for sparking our project because it was able to get other youth inspired and join our coalition.”
Read Liliana's full profile
Watch Liliana's Changemaker Video
Cohort 2
"Being a Changemaker means being able to genuinely and authentically tap into my passion. It means to not be afraid to express it."
Read Addie's full profile
Watch Addie's Changemaker Video
Cohort 2
"If you want to be a Changemaker, you need to understand your community and be involved in your community.”
Read Jerry's full profile
Watch Jerry's Changemaker Video
Cohort 2
"Being a Changemaker means identifying an issue in your community, even if it doesn't directly impact you. It is important to take in a variety of ideas so that the solution is equitable."
Read Ava's full profile
Watch Ava's Changemaker Video
CYCP IN THE NEWS
September 2024
Student Voices: Advocating for Climate-Safe Schools
In this op-ed for Capitol Weekly, CYCP students, Liliana Karesh and Kasch Marquardt, advocate for climate-safe schools, urging districts to adopt policies that address climate change’s increasing threats. They emphasize the importance of sustainability and environmental justice in creating safer, more resilient schools for California's future.
September 2024
This article from Ten Strands announces the launch of the second cohort of CYCP , highlighting the program's mission to empower young leaders in advocating for environmental justice and shaping climate policies at the local level.
May 2024
The Journey to CYCP's Cohort 2
This Ten Strands article details the journey leading up to the second cohort of CYCP, exploring the program's growth, its impact on youth climate advocacy, and the opportunities it provides for students to influence climate policy.
September 2024
Spotlight on Intern Samantha Liu: A Passion for Climate Action
This Ten Strands article features intern Samantha Liu, who shares her experiences and insights gained during her internship with the organization. She reflects on the skills she developed and the importance of youth engagement in environmental initiatives.
January 2024
Empowering Climate Action Leaders: Sara's Insights from Mentoring CYCP
This Ten Strands article highlights Sara's experience mentoring participants in the California Youth Climate Policy (CYCP) Leadership Program. She shares her reflections on the growth of young leaders and the importance of fostering their voices in climate advocacy.
August 2023
Intern Skyla Lumbard Reflects on Her Transformative Experience
In this Ten Strands article, intern Skyla Lumbard discusses her journey and the impactful projects she worked on during her internship. She emphasizes the value of mentorship and collaboration in promoting climate literacy and youth advocacy.
August 2023
Intern Li Platz: Gaining Experience in Climate Advocacy
This Ten Strands article showcases intern Li Platz as she discusses her impactful internship experience with the organization. She shares her journey in environmental advocacy and how the internship helped her develop a deeper understanding of climate issues and community engagement.
March 2024
CYCP Program Wraps Up First Year
This Sierra Club article celebrates the completion of the first year of CYCP. It reflects on the program's success in empowering youth to advocate for climate policy and environmental justice while fostering leadership skills for future climate action.
January 2024
Empowering Youth Voices for Climate Action
This Ten Strands article focuses on empowering youth voices in the fight against climate change through programs like CYCP. It highlights the importance of elevating young leaders to drive climate action and influence policies that address environmental justice and sustainability.
December 2023
This article from the Orange County Department of Education discusses two students from the California Youth Climate Policy (CYCP) Leadership Program who are advocating for climate policy in their community. It highlights their efforts to raise awareness about environmental issues and the impact of education pathways on future career opportunities in sustainability and climate advocacy.
December 2023
CYCP Graduates Inaugural Cohort
This Ten Strands press release highlights the graduation of the inaugural cohort of CYCP. It celebrates the achievements of the graduates as they prepare to take their advocacy skills into the community, emphasizing their role in shaping future climate policies and driving environmental action.
September 2023
CYCP: Empowering Youth for Climate Action and Advocacy
This Ten Strands article highlights the program as a transformative initiative for youth climate advocacy. It showcases how the program equips young leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to drive impactful climate action and influence policy change across California.