Youth Climate Institute

06/01/2026

Walter Johnson High School in Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland had a busy first year with the Youth Climate Institute! Between native plant gardens, water waste reduction, and school-wide outreach about climate change impacts, they reached more than 3,000 Montgomery County residents through environmental action and education.

05/29/2026

Last night we announced the inaugural winners of our Next Generation Climate Leader and National Climate Leadership awards at our end-of-year celebration!

Congratulations to Hannah R. of Laurel School (supported by the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes) and Anecia Tongue of Bowie High School! Both were nominated by students in their respective chapters and received $250 with their award.

More exciting metrics, pictures, and successes from this past school year still to come. Stay tuned!

05/21/2026

"Claiming the Future" is an exhibit of youth artwork dedicated to their feelings about their world and their future. 50+ pieces of art will be showcased from June 13th - July 11th, and 3 students will win a cash prize sponsored by The Crow's Nest and the Youth Climate Institute.

Several YCI ambassadors have their poems, film, photography, and physical artwork on display. Please join us at the opening reception at 1PM on June 13th to celebrate their passion and courage as the next generation of climate leaders!

05/15/2026

Action project season is heating up! Stay tuned to hear more about the action projects our Ambassadors are completing to earn their certifications this spring.

05/09/2026

Congratulations, Eleonor!

Eleonor Hubbert is officially heading to the Honors College at the University of Delaware to study Marine Science with a concentration in Marine Biology! A dedicated scholar and environmental advocate, Eleonor’s passion for the planet is evident in everything she does, from completing the Chesapeake Watershed Semester to founding the Gunston Chapter of the Youth Climate Institute. Her leadership was particularly impactful at the 2026 ShoreRivers Youth Environmental Action Summit, where she delivered an inspiring presentation on tangible student action and climate advocacy. These contributions, coupled with her academic excellence as an AP Scholar, National Honor Society member, and recipient of the Chatham University Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award, ensure she is well-prepared to make waves in marine conservation.

On the court and the water, Eleonor has been a standout athlete throughout her four years at Gunston. A four-time ESIAC All-Conference tennis player, she helped lead her team to four consecutive ESIAC Tournament Championships and secured the ESIAC Doubles Championship title in 2024 & 2025. In addition to her tennis success and four years on the Crew team, she remained deeply involved in student life through the Film, Environmental, and Mental Health Awareness clubs. We have no doubt Eleonor will continue to achieve great things—Go Blue Hens! 💙💛🐓

Read More: https://bit.ly/GunstonSeniorSpotlight_Eleonor2026

05/08/2026

It's Teacher Appreciation Week! We want to take a minute to recognize all of the inspiring educators who are working hard to guide the next generation of climate leaders both in and outside of the classroom as YCI chapter leaders. Thank you for all that you do!

05/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hi at April's National Science Teaching Association conference! It's always a blast seeing and hearing about the great things happening in environmental education across the country. The Youth Climate Institute is glad to be a part of it!

05/01/2026

Last day for nominations! This award is open to any chapter leaders or students currently participating in The Youth Climate Institute. Anyone can submit a nomination! If you know a Chapter Leader or Ambassador who is demonstrating exemplary climate leadership, nominate them by the end of the day today!

Student Award Nomination Form: https://youthclimateleader.org/next-generation-climate-leader-award-form/

Chapter Leader Award Nomination Form: https://youthclimateleader.org/climate-leadership-award-form/

04/28/2026

103,620 water bottles kept out of landfills, 4,000+ people fed, and $11.5 billion dollars raised. Billie isn't just talking the talk, she's leading by example -- and showing the next generation how important our individual choices are in the fight against climate change!

Reduced emissions, food waste and pollution prevention, and vegan-friendly options are the norm for Billie's HIT ME HARD AND SOFT tour. She's working with Reverb to make greener choices for her concerts and raising money to support nonprofit organizations working to mitigate climate change nationwide (including the Youth Climate Institute)!

Read more about Billie's sustainable tour: https://buff.ly/tCuAmcQ

Read more about how Billie and her fans are supporting YCI: https://buff.ly/o13kCe5

When she first found fame, the Grammy-winner was appalled to see how environmentally destructive the concert business can be. Now, as one of the most influential touring acts in the world, she is building a blueprint for change. "Things don't have to be done the same way."

04/27/2026

Thinking about joining The Youth Climate Institute? There's never been a better time! Right now we're waiving chapter fees for NEW chapters starting in the 2026-2027 school year and a limited number of chapters will receive a $250 start-up stipend!

Register for an interest meeting here: https://buff.ly/paTZfBf

None of these times work? Schedule a one-on-one with a member of our team: https://buff.ly/SlZAejY

Learn more about YCI: https://buff.ly/xLInbNj