Youth Action for the Planet

Youth Action for the Planet is an environmental action hub for young people who care about the natural world and want to protect it. In YAP, youth deepen their knowledge of climate and biodiversity science, sharpen their leadership and advocacy skills, and nurture their connection to the Earth.

The YAP Leadership Design Council (LDC) is a unique opportunity for Bay Area teens (ages 13-18) to shape the future of climate and biodiversity action in your community—and beyond. With the support of adult accomplices, LDC members will explore environmental issues, identify solutions, and implement strategies to make a lasting positive impact on our planet. LDC may coordinate classes and workshops for their peers, conduct fieldwork, contribute to restoration projects, meet with experts and activists, organize field trips, produce conferences, and more!

No experience necessary! To be eligible for LDC, applicants must:

• Be 13-18 years old
• Live in the Bay Area
• Attend virtual LDC meetings (every other week)
• Lead and attend onsite programming and events at the California Academy of Sciences
• Demonstrate interest and enthusiasm for learning, advocacy, and environmental action

Applications for the 2023-2024 LDC have closed. 

Join the Youth Programs mailing list to be notified about upcoming events, workshops, and when applications for the 2024-2025 LDC open.

Sunday, April 21, 2024: Earth Day Pop-Up

Curious about the history of Bay Area youth climate activism? Join us at the Academy for an Earth Day Pop-Up, featuring a historical timeline of youth climate action from the past and present, and hands-on activities to reimagine our collective climate future. Families and youth of all ages are welcome!

June 24-28, 2024: YAP Summer Bootcamp

This week-long immersion is open to youth grades 8-12 who are passionate about climate and environmental justice. Connect with local community organizers and frontline climate activists while building your science understanding and environmental action skills.

MLK Day of Action

On Jan. 15, 2024, Youth Action for the Planet brought together almost 60 teen climate enthusiasts for a panel discussion with youth leaders who highlighted connections between racial and environmental justice. In the afternoon, the Climate Activities Fair engaged over 600 people with activities including a collaborative art mural, screen printing, native planting, mask recycling, and social justice and advocacy tabling.

Bay Area Youth Climate Summit

On October 14, 2023, Bay Area Youth Climate Summit held their 4th Annual event in partnership with Youth Action for the Planet at the Academy. We brought together over 200 youth, educators, and climate leaders for an incredible day of knowledge-building, community resilience, solution-building, and youth-driven action! The event kicked off with a keynote by former Climate Advisor to the Obama White House Molly Kawahata, followed by numerous guest speakers, interactive workshops, and lunch activities planned by the youth leaders of BAYCS. Check out more of their work at baycs.org!