Our Model
Student Ambassadorship
Students from participating schools serve as YCAA Student Ambassadors, leveraging the YCAA’s training, mentorship, and Climate Action Toolkits to design and implement achievable, high-impact, school-based Climate Action Initiatives (CAIs). Through this model, schools become hubs of coordinated climate action, and students become empowered leaders advancing the YCAA’s mission across New York City.
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Climate Action Initiatives are student-led, school-based projects that address real environmental challenges. CAIs fall into three core focus areas:
Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency
Zero Waste
Climate Education
Ambassadors are encouraged to design initiatives that are realistic, measurable, and impactful within their school communities.
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As a Student Ambassador, you’ll:
Be fully supported in leading schoolwide Climate Action Initiatives (CAIs) in renewable energy, zero-waste, and climate education, from start to finish
Gain the opportunity to win Certificates of Service and the Youth Climate Champion Award
Receive mentorship and guidance from climate experts and student leaders.
Gain opportunities to collaborate with other high schools, universities, and local organizations.
Have access to skill-building in leadership, public speaking, organizing, and strategic planning.
Gain access to virtual and in-person events, workshops, and the YCAA Interscholastic Conference, where you will also build a network of peers and professionals to help shape your future in sustainability and advocacy.
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As a Student Ambassador, you will:
Represent your school in the YCAA citywide network.
Launch and manage school-based Climate Action Initiatives using the step-by-step Climate Action Toolkit.
Participate in monthly Ambassador calls to share updates, exchange ideas, and collaborate with other students.
Attend virtual and in-person skill-building sessions, workshops, and networking events.
Serve as a climate leader in your school community, inspiring peers and fostering a culture of sustainability.
Connect with local organizations, universities, and environmental leaders to broaden your impact and learning.
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Confirm that your school is a partner of the YCAA.
If your school is not yet a partner, contact us and we will establish the partnership to enable your involvement as a student ambassador.
Once confirmed, you will receive an introductory email containing the onboarding form. Following this, you will be invited to a virtual onboarding session with YCAA leadership, during which resources and opportunities for leading Climate Action Initiatives will be outlined.
Our Partner Schools
Founding Schools: Avenues The World School and The Chapin School
Berkeley Carroll School
Brooklyn Friends School
The Dalton School
Dwight School
Fordham Preparatory School
Friends Seminary
Grace Church School
Hackley School
If you are not in one of our Partner Schools, contact us to join the network.
The Hewitt School
Horace Mann School
The Nightingale-Bamford School
United Nations International School