Youth Climate Fellowship
Launching the next generation of climate leaders
The Youth Climate Fellowship empowers high school students to become the next generation of climate leaders. Over three-plus weeks in summer, you’ll dive into hands-on assignments, explore real-world climate sites, and meet experts who are making a difference. You’ll learn how climate issues connect to different careers and industries, discover ways to work with others for long-term solutions, and get practical leadership skills to take action in your community. By the end of the program, you’ll have the knowledge, experience, and confidence to create positive change and make your voice heard.
This Coro California program is offered in the Greater Los Angeles Area.
Application Currently Closed
The application cycle has closed. Submit an Interest Form to receive recruitment updates.
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Program Overview
- Build and practice leadership skills in seminars led by Coro facilitators, developing critical competencies including systems-thinking for environmental challenges, advocacy and collaboration strategies, effective communication and public speaking, and inquiry and evaluation skills.
- Visit regional organizations to experience firsthand how different sectors manage climate realities and observe real-world practices that demonstrate the intersection of climate resilience with various industries in the region.
- Explore career pathways through leadership interviews with industry experts and key decision-makers working on climate solutions. Gain insights into climate-related careers and professional opportunities in sustainability fields.
- Connect with mentors, meeting influential changemakers ready to support your education and career development. Join Coro’s 15,000+ alumni network of remarkable leaders.
Program Benefits
- Explore critical climate issues affecting Southern California while developing skills to collaborate effectively across sectors and create positive change.
- Discover career opportunities by gaining exposure to different climate-related industries and professional pathways in sustainability, environmental justice, policy, advocacy, and climate solutions.
- Build a professional network, connecting with industry experts, decision-makers, and mentors working across climate fields who can support your educational and career aspirations.
- Develop essential skills, building your leadership toolkit with inquiry methods, systems analysis, and communication strategies that increase confidence and effectiveness.
- Gain varied perspectives on climate solutions and sustainability approaches through exposure to cross-sector leaders tackling climate challenges in innovative ways.
Ideal Candidates & Eligibility
- Are high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors when applying. The program is tailored specifically for rising seniors and recent graduates preparing for next educational and career steps.
- Live or attend school in Greater Los Angeles, with preference given to students from communities directly impacted by climate change and environmental challenges.
- Are interested in or passionate about climate action and eager to understand climate complexities while exploring innovative solutions and potential career pathways.
- Seek personal growth and demonstrate readiness to learn, challenge themselves, and engage authentically with peers from different backgrounds and perspectives.
- Commit to full participation (explore the program calendar for dates and attendance expectations).
Format & Curriculum
Program Structure
Three-plus week, full-time summer program. Daily meetings provide immersive climate exploration and leadership development. Sessions combine facilitated learning, site visits to climate organizations, leadership interviews with industry professionals, and collaborative group work. Explore the program calendar for more information.
Curriculum Themes
Content addresses climate challenges through multiple lenses: systems-thinking for environmental solutions, advocacy and collaboration strategies for climate action, effective communication and public speaking skills, inquiry and critical thinking methods, career exploration across climate-related industries, and understanding cross-sector approaches to sustainability and environmental justice.
Career Readiness Focus
The program emphasizes career exploration and readiness, offering valuable exposure to industries working on climate-related issues. Through site visits, leadership interviews, and mentorship connections, Fellows gain understanding of professional pathways in climate fields, exposure to varied career opportunities in sustainability, and insights into skills and preparation needed for climate-related careers.
Learning Approach
Coro’s experiential methods center active practice over passive listening. You’ll engage in case discussions, leadership simulations, peer exchanges, and reflective exercises. Facilitators create space for mindfulness, vulnerability, and authentic connection, fostering psychological safety for adaptive collaboration and innovation.
Program Philosophy
Coro’s approach emphasizes three core principles: active leadership practice as lifelong learning, relating productively across differences in identities and perspectives, and embracing curiosity and vulnerability as foundations for authentic leadership and meaningful change.
Cost & Financial Support
Tuition
Tuition is $2,500 (subsidized from $6,000 by generous sponsor support). This substantial subsidy reflects Coro’s commitment to making climate leadership development accessible to young leaders.
Scholarships
Coro offers need-based scholarships to qualified applicants. Complete the relevant scholarship questions in the application to be considered for financial assistance.
Application Process & Key Dates
How to Apply
Complete the online application sharing your interest in climate issues, leadership aspirations, and commitment to personal growth. Review the Application Guide for detailed instructions and tips for crafting strong responses. Applications are reviewed holistically with priority for students from climate-impacted communities and those demonstrating genuine interest in climate action and career exploration.
Application Note: Applicants will have the option to apply only to the Youth Climate Fellowship or to submit a dual application to Coro’s Youth Fellows Program.
Application Deadlines
Application portal opens: February 5, 2026
Early decision deadline: March 24, 2026
(includes early consideration for scholarship and cohort selection)
Regular decision deadline: April 28, 2026
Selection Timeline
Applications are reviewed following each deadline and applicants are notified within two weeks of the deadline. Program tuition payments will be due typically four to six weeks from your decision notification.
Meet the Cohort and Past Organizations
Sponsors
