2026-27 Youth Climate Council Application 

EcoRise Youth Climate Councils provide a way for youth to actively engage in the civic process and invest in the future of their city. The mission of each council is to empower the next generation of climate champions with the tools they to engage in community issues around climate change, environmental policy, and environmental justice, using their city's climate action plan as a guide. EcoRise is committed to representing all communities in each council city; students of color, students with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and/or immigrant/migrant experiences are encouraged to apply. Through this experience, students will participate in extensive learning opportunities, sharpen their communication skills, and network with other youth professionals. 

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

We encourage high school students interested in government, the environment, climate change, policy, and environmental justice to apply! This council is a great opportunity to learn about sustainability and city planning, and their relationship to improving community health and well-being. 

EXPECTATIONS & COMPENSATION

The council will meet once a month on Saturdays for a 4-hour time block between 9am -2pm at different locations depending on the field experience or workshop we are doing. In both October and May we will meet in person twice. Convenings will take place from October-May. There will be a few instances where we will meet virtually on Zoom or have folks attend a city event for special events. Events will be planned months in advance. If students have barriers to transportation, EcoRise will accommodate. 

Council members will receive a stipend of $400 for participation in the program over the school year. Returning junior and senior council members that are selected to serve in the Rising Leader cohort will receive elevated leadership opportunities and a $500 stipend. 

Program activities include*: 

  • Monthly Guest Speakers and In-Person Convenings 
  • Interaction with Climate & Community Professionals
  • Hands-on Workshops & Volunteering
  • Field Experiences
  • Youth Climate Showcase
* Activities will be in-person with some virtual components.

Learn more:

In order to apply, fill out this form below by Friday, September 17th, 2026.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to youthprograms@ecorise.org. 
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Email *
About you
We'd like to get to know you — please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Which city are you applying for? *
First and Last Name *
Preferred Name (optional)
Preferred Pronouns? *
Don't know what pronouns are and how they are used? View this guide: https://www.glsen.org/activity/pronouns-guide-glsen
What is your best contact email (not your school email)? *
What is your best cell phone number? *
How do you identify? Select all that apply.               *
Required
How do you identify racially and/or ethnically? This is not an exaustive list. Please include additional details in the "Other" section as you prefer. *
Required
Age? *
What is the name of your school? *
What type of school do you attend? *
Please name an academic and/or extracurricular teacher, mentor, or coach that has played an important role in your life. We'd like to invite them to support you throughout the program and attend your year-end showcase. *
What is their best contact email? *
What is your science teacher's name? *
What is your science teacher's email address? *
What is your social studies teacher's name? (i.e. history, civics, economics, government, etc.) *
What is your social studies teacher's email address? *
What grade are you in? *
What zip code do you live in? *
What neighborhood do you live in?
Which city council district do you live in?
Don't know your city council district? Go to your city's district websites and enter your address.

Austin: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/city-council-district-map

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Have you applied for the program before? *
If so, when?
Do you know someone who has been a Youth Climate Council member? If so, who? How do you know them? Please include their first name and last name. *
Are you a returning Youth Council member? *
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