Our Model

Wind turbines in a field during a vibrant orange and pink sunset with a partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a solar farm with multiple rows of blue solar panels on green grass, adjacent to a railway track and a dirt pathway with trees nearby.

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    1. Confirm that your school is a partner of the YCAA.

    2. 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

If you are interested in partnering with or joining the YCAA, contact us. We are looking for passionate and engaged climate activists to serve as Student Ambassadors and attendees of our Interscholastic Conference.

Become a global leader of climate action today.