Alaska Youth for Environmental Action

06/04/2026

Our 2026 Youth Organizer Summit’s theme is Land Stewardship. Current AYEA teens chose this focus because connecting with and stewarding the land is crucial in creating resilient, healthy communities.

Teens will learn how our relationships with the land have been shaped and how to organize to protect these important places.

Apply today: bit.ly/yo-summit2026

05/29/2026

We're excited to welcome Lily to the AYEA team for the summer! Lily is our AYEA Youth Leadership Intern, joining us through the Ted Smith Conservation Internship Program at the Alaska Conservation Foundation

Lily grew up in Bellingham, Washington, where the surrounding mountains, ocean, lakes, and forest inspired her love for all things outdoors. She is a current student at Colgate University, studying Peace and Conflict with a minor in Arabic. Lily has been passionate about environmental advocacy for many years, and was drawn to AYEA as a way to bring passionate young people to the organizing table and uplift youth voices.

05/28/2026

Calling all Alaskan teens!

Get your applications in by June 30th for this year’s AYEA Youth Organizer Summit! The Youth Organizer Summit can be a life changing experience where you:
~Learn about land stewardship
~Meet other like minded teens from around the state
~Learn how to take action on issues affecting your community

Rural and urban teens are encouraged to apply! No experience necessary - just an interest in helping your community. APPLY NOW: bit.ly/yo-summit2026
Adults - nominate a youth you know! bit.ly/ayea-nomination

Photo Credit: AYEA teen Lupine! 😊

05/26/2026

Congratulations Zoë on all your amazing accomplishments! Shoutout to all AYEA teens who graduated this year, we can't wait to see what you do next!

JDHS, YDHS and homeschool students share their journeys to graduation day and where they’re going next.

05/21/2026

Powerful words from AYEA alum Kai Thomas!

"[HB 25] is not radical, but common sense. HB 25 recognizes that some of the most wasteful products are also some of the easiest to replace. Alaska should not keep choosing materials that pollute the same waters that feed our communities and support our economy.

Young people in Alaska are paying attention. We are studying this issue in our own communities. We are seeing the warning signs. And we are asking the Legislature to act like our future matters."

HB 25 would help cut the kind of waste that breaks down into microplastics and threatens marine ecosystems.

05/18/2026

School’s almost out! ☀️ Alaskan high school students, what are you doing this summer?? We hope applying for the AYEA Youth Organizer Summit is on the list! Application here: bit.ly/yo-summit2026

The summit isn’t until September, but we welcome participants from communities all around Alaska, so we need those applications in by June 30th to secure everyone’s travel!

We’ve already received applications from youth across the state. Will you be next? We’re excited to meet the next generation of leaders representing communities across Alaska!

05/09/2026

Do you know an Alaskan teen in grades 9-12 who cares about their community and might be interested in taking the next step to learn about leadership and ways to take action? Nominate them to be an AYEA Youth Organizer! We reach out directly to nominated teens to encourage them to apply to our fall Youth Organizer Summit.

We’ve heard through the years that the number one way that new teens hear about AYEA is from adults in their life who encourage them to check it out - a personal invite means a lot!

Help us spread the word! Nominations are due on June 25th. Teen applications are due June 30th. Fill out a nomination form here: bit.ly/ayea-nomination

05/08/2026

Over 500 Alaskans from around the state signed a petition led by the AYEA Anchorage Chapter requesting the Governor declare a climate emergency. When youth leaders requested to meet with the Governor or someone in his office, the request was ignored, so teens mailed the petition and a letter this week.

05/01/2026

Applications are open for the AYEA Youth Organizer Summit!

Alaskan teens entering grades 9-12 in the fall should apply for this awesome opportunity by June 30th!

This year we will gather September 20-24 on lower Tanana Dene lands in Fairbanks. Participants will receive training in leadership, advocacy, and community organizing skills, and learn how to take action on issues in their community. This year’s summit also has a special theme: Land Stewardship. Teens will learn how our relationships with land have been shaped and how to organize to protect these important places.

Applications direct from teens are due June 30th. APPLY NOW! bit.ly/yo-summit2026

Over 18? Nominate an awesome teen you know! Check out our website: ayea.org to fill out a nomination form.

Support for travel is available for attendees, and lodging, food, and fun will be provided. We’d love to meet the next generation of leaders representing communities across Alaska!

04/27/2026

Last week, AYEA was recognized by the Anchorage Assembly on for our work advocating for communities and future generations on issues of climate justice.

The resolutions reads, "protecting our lands and waters is critical to sustain our current way of life and ensure a livable future for the next generations of Alaskans." We couldn't agree more are proud to have empowered thousands of teens across Alaska for the last 28 years to become climate leaders.

AYEA is grateful for this recognition and looks forward to continuing our work!