Calling all high school students Whatcom or Skagit County interested in collaborating with other youth on a climate action project!
Youth for the Environment and People (YEP!) provides an opportunity for students to share ideas and passions, learn about climate change solutions, engage in local stewardship projects, and work together with other youth in choosing, planning and implementing a group action project. And, of course, have fun!
YEP! participants will:
- Meet and work with other youth in the region to create and implement a student-led action project
- Discover, empower, and refine individual skills and talents
- Practice stepping into leadership roles
- Connect with local organizations working to solve local climate change in our region
- Learn about local and global climate change solutions
- Complete two local service projects on a couple of Saturday sessions
I had never had a chance to join an official group or be a part of a project to make a change and help the community. This was my first time and definitely not my last” — Ay, 2023 YEP! Participant
Fall 2023 theme: Flooding and local climate impacts
We offer two concurrent cohorts — one in Whatcom and one in Skagit — coming together during outside field days! This fall, students will explore the local climate change impact of flooding, how it affects different members of our community, and how we can adapt to become more resilient to climate change. Each cohort will choose a project that supports flooding solutions. Facilitators guide, support, and educate while students lead and work collaboratively on the group action project.
More details about the program
- Applicants must attend high school in Whatcom or Skagit counties (applicants will form two cohorts consisting of 15 students each; one Whatcom, one Skagit)
- YEP! is co-facilitated by (Whatcom cohort) Cambry Baker, Youth Engagement Coordinator at RE Sources & (Skagit cohort) Julia Sachs, Youth Leadership Coordinator at North Cascades Institute
- This program will run for 10 weeks from October 2nd until December 11th (no meeting November 20th for Thanksgiving Break)
- We provide a $150 stipend upon completion of the group project to compensate students for their time and efforts
Questions? Please contact:
Details, how to apply and benefits for 2023
Update: Deadline Extended to September 25th, 10:00pm
Timeline
Application due: 10:00pm Monday, September 25th
When will I know if I’ve been accepted? Between Sept. 19th and the 29th. You must confirm you want to accept the offer by Sept 29th. Note that all correspondence will happen via email.
Who can participate? Applicants must attend high school in Whatcom or Skagit County. There are 30 total spots available, 15 in each cohort.
When is it? Starting October 2nd, YEP! runs on Mondays for 10 weeks including two Saturday hands-on stewardship days, October 14th and 28th, ending on December 11th (no meeting the week of November 27th for Thanksgiving break).
Where and when are the meetings? The Whatcom cohort will meet Mondays from 4:00–6:00pm at the RE Sources offices (2309 Meridian St, Bellingham, upstairs from The RE Store). The Skagit cohort meets Mondays 3:00-5:00pm at Burlington Edison High School.
Who are the facilitators? The Whatcom cohort is facilitated by Cambry Baker, Education Specialist at RE Sources. The Skagit cohort is led by a Youth Leadership Adventures staff at North Cascades Institute.
What are the benefits? We provide a $150 stipend upon completion of the group project to compensate students for their time and efforts. Must attend 9 of the 12 sessions and participate in the group project to receive the stipend.
