CLimate Stories
Youth Climate Institute
Climate change is the biggest threat affecting our collective futures. Yet, when we recognize young people’s achievements as they transition from high school, environmental achievements are largely unrecognized.
Howard County Conservancy in partnership with Howard County Public Schools formed the Youth Climate Institute (YCI). They are now a nationally recognized certification program, in four states with 28 chapters. They expect to have 35 chapters by the time 2024 Fall workshops start. In addition, they have developed two regional/district-wide hubs in support of multiple schools. They continue to develop their infrastructure and strengthen the college and career exploration aspects of their programming. The Veverka Family Foundation began supporting the Youth Climate Institute in 2022, actively promoting the formation of chapters among its other grantees.
In this one year program with an optional second year, students can achieve certification as an Ambassador and/or Certified Ambassador with Honors. Program components include climate science and climate communications courses, community action projects and a capstone project guided by a mentor during students’ senior year. The resulting cadre of young leaders are fully invested in STEM and civic action, and fully prepared to be leaders within their communities.