SVYCA’s 2026 Youth Climate Leadership Academy: Empowering Youth and Shaping the Future of Climate Advocacy

This post is written by Ishq Kandhra, Project Lead and 2026 Youth Summer Leadership Program mentor.

On July 6th 2026, Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA) launched its 2nd annual Youth Climate Leadership Academy, a three-week program co-hosted with the Santa Clara County Office of Education. This year, the academy brought together our largest cohort yet, comprising 48 high school students and 15 student mentors from over 29 schools and 13 districts across Santa Clara County.

of the academy, participants opted into one of six capstone project groups. This year, the six project themes consisted of: (1) forming a climate education campaign series, (2) expanding SVYCA’s Bring Your Own Cup Campaign, (3) creating public transit videos, (4) designing a mobility hubs and affordable housing website (5) building a climate action tool kit for SVYCA’s 2026 Summit, (6) and recording a climate + water conservation education video. Students were able to collaborate with new peers during their capstone projects and reported that by working together on a shared goal, small actions lead to community-wide change: 

“I really enjoyed participating in the Bring Your Own Cup campaign because it showed me the collective power that SVYCA and the community can have in making change. Individually, it seems insignificant to ask a shop to participate. Still, I saw firsthand how excellent organization, persistence, and motivation can lead to a web of green business stretching all over the Bay.” (Raghav Shrivastava, rising 12th grader)

“I was a part of the mobility hub capstone and designed a website featuring basic information and the op-ed’s written by the other members. I really enjoyed researching the mobility hubs and learning about their potential to improve the environment!” (Marra Sullivan, rising 12th grader)

During the final week of the academy, participants opted into one of six capstone project groups. This year, the six project themes consisted of: (1) forming a climate education campaign series, (2) expanding SVYCA’s Bring Your Own Cup Campaign, (3) creating public transit videos, (4) designing a mobility hubs and affordable housing website (5) building a climate action tool kit for SVYCA’s 2026 Summit, (6) and recording a climate + water conservation education video. Students were able to collaborate with new peers during their capstone projects and reported that by working together on a shared goal, small actions lead to community-wide change: 

“I really enjoyed participating in the Bring Your Own Cup campaign because it showed me the collective power that SVYCA and the community can have in making change. Individually, it seems insignificant to ask a shop to participate. Still, I saw firsthand how excellent organization, persistence, and motivation can lead to a web of green business stretching all over the Bay.” (Raghav Shrivastava, rising 12th grader)

“I was a part of the mobility hub capstone and designed a website featuring basic information and the op-ed’s written by the other members. I really enjoyed researching the mobility hubs and learning about their potential to improve the environment!” (Marra Sullivan, rising 12th grader)

Peer-to-Peer Mentors

During the academy, 15 current SVYCA leaders stepped into the role of student mentors and guided participants in daily workshops, hands-on activities, and collaborative projects. Here are some highlights of their experiences related to their experiences during the academy: 

“I think the Academy is unique because not only do students learn what they should do, but they get the chance to apply it, like writing a letter of support or a postcard to the mayor. Not many kids can say they've done either of those things, but everybody at our Academy now can." (Nova Jayraj, Los Gatos Student Advisor) 

“For an organization that largely runs on Zoom calls, it's incredible to be in one space with each other, connecting not only over the next advocacy strategy or local civic issues, but over our favorite restaurants and silly stories from school. And to meet more than 50 burgeoning climate leaders and be part of mentoring them at the very beginning of their youth leadership journey is something I am beyond grateful to do. The Academy taught me that building a community of leaders begins with connection. It means getting to know students' advocacy interests and their favorite Marvel movies. It means getting together in one space and exploring, together, what advocacy looks like from the ground up. It means equipping students with the education, the tools, and the mentorship to transform their communities, all in one place. And after these three magical weeks, something even more magical will happen when students take these tools and become real changemakers in their communities. And I can't wait to see it happen.” (Padma Balaji, Student Advisor for the Tri-City Team and Transit Team) 

“Being a returning student mentor and growing alongside students at this year’s Academy was an incredibly rewarding experience. Over just three weeks, I witnessed students transform from hesitant participants into confident environmental advocates who collaborated seamlessly across diverse backgrounds. I especially enjoyed bringing the debate and public health simulations to the students, and seeing them engage, think critically, apply their new skills, and walk away with the knowledge to advocate and take ownership of their ideas. Compared to last year, the Academy has grown significantly in size and reach, as well as in the depth of its mentorship and its focus on tangible, hands-on activities like immersive simulations. I loved fostering a community where young people feel empowered to turn their ideas into action, and I look forward to seeing the impact they’ll continue to make long after the Academy ends.” (Charlotte Liang, Climate x Health Collaborative Co-Chair and SVYCA’s Education Officer)

Academy Learning Outcomes

SVYCA conducted a pre- and post-academy survey to measure the Academy’s impact on students' personal growth and their understanding of core climate concepts. The Academy effectively built student skills in public speaking, teamwork, leadership, and civic engagement.  

Post-academy, participants reported growth in their confidence speaking in front of a group, with 100% rating themselves more confident post-Academy. 95% of students said their confidence in working with people from different backgrounds grew, while the percentage of students who felt better prepared to lead a group project was 93%.

Overwhelmingly, the majority of students (98%) agreed that the Academy increased their understanding of civics and how local government relates to climate action, a monumental gain. Many participants left the academy with concrete plans to continue their advocacy, with 88% reporting that they’re motivated to keep working on climate issues after the program ends. Additionally, communicating with elected officials or other decision-makers illuminated a significant gain, with 81% of students feeling very confident post-Academy. Furthermore, 98% of students now feel confident and empowered to take action on an issue they care about. As one participant explained, “I had an amazing time meeting with the elected officials at the SVYCA  Summer Academy. I was inspired, and I felt a new sense of confidence and ability to advocate for our changing climate. I learned a lot from them, and I was so happy to be given this wonderful opportunity.” (Abigail Golman,  rising 10th grader) 

The 2026 Youth Leadership Academy equipped students with the knowledge, leadership skills, and confidence needed to drive lasting change in their communities. Exiting the academy, 95% of students left feeling connected to a community of young people working on climate solutions.

Ishq Kandhra, Project Lead

“Going from a student mentor last year to serving as the Academy’s Project Lead this year has completely transformed my perspective on the program. Watching students grow into confident leaders and seeing our mentors develop their ability to facilitate activities and lead workshops has been incredibly rewarding. The Academy has shown me that meaningful climate action doesn’t come from one person, but rather it stems from many people taking small, collective steps toward addressing this climate crisis.” 

Community Support and Community Impact

The 2026 Youth Summer Academy would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors: Valley Water, Valley Transportation Authority, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and Open Space Authority of Santa Clara Valley. This program was also created with the help of our wonderful partners: Sierra Club’s Loma Prieta Chapter, Breathe California, Santa Clara University, Milpitas Environmental Department, Sunnyvale’s Environmental Department, San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society, Greenbelt Alliance, and Silicon Valley Clean Energy.

If you would like to know when our 2027 academy will be, or stay up to date on SVYCA's actions, subscribe to our newsletter below.