Understand the decision
Partners explain the issue, stakes, constraints, and decisions under consideration.
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Next Generation
Year 1 pilot
01 / BRIEF
02 / DELIBERATE
03 / RECOMMEND
04 / RESPOND + ACT
Next Generation
Climate Council
Year 1 pilotBring your perspective to the decisions shaping our climate future.
Join young people and early-career professionals from across the country to research climate issues, develop recommendations, and work with experienced practitioners to turn ideas into action.
The Next Generation Climate Council is funded by Climate Reserve, an initiative of the Aspen Global Change Institute. Initial partners include the Environmental Protection Network and Civil Service Strong’s Energy and Environment team. Interested in partnering? Contact nextgen@ecolearn.org.
12 membersA small, supported cohort
Ages 18–30Students and emerging professionals
One yearJanuary 2027–January 2028
Remote meetingsConnect from where you live
Elevate young people’s leadership and influence in decision-making.
Long-standing climate and environmental institutions face profound disruption. Rebuilding them creates an opportunity to shape stronger institutions, strategies, and capacity for the decades ahead.
The Next Generation Climate Council gives young people and early-career professionals a direct role in that work. Members combine research, community perspectives, and guidance from experienced advisors to develop recommendations for active climate initiatives.
The first cohort will also help establish the Council’s structure and process, creating a foundation for future terms.
How the Council Works
Members lead the discussion. Climate Reserve partners and advisors contribute expertise, respond to recommendations, and help identify opportunities for action.
Bring perspectives together
Members examine future impacts, equity, trust, and opportunities through research, youth partner input, and advisor guidance.
Make a clear recommendation
The Council develops concise recommendations that explain the rationale, benefits, risks, and priorities.
Follow through
Partners explain what they accept, partially accept, need to explore, or will not pursue. Partners and Council leadership identify opportunities for further action.
Council membership
What is missing is you! Apply for the Council.
You do not need to be a climate expert. You do need a genuine desire to address climate and environmental issues and a willingness to learn, collaborate, and contribute.
Who can apply
- People ages 18–30 on January 31, 2027.
- Residents of the United States or its territories, or U.S. citizens living abroad.
- Undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals.
Selection considers geography, lived experience, disciplines, climate and environmental experience, and demonstrated leadership character.
What members commit to
A one-year term from January 2027 to January 2028, with the possibility of extension up to four years, pending continued funding.
- Expect to spend at least 5 hours per month on Council activities, including meetings, leadership sessions, and work between meetings.
- Attend at least 8 Council meetings and 6 leadership development sessions, all online.
- Contribute to at least 2 recommendations.
- Partner with at least 1 youth or youth-serving climate organization.
- Prepare between meetings through research and networking so recommendations reflect evidence and perspectives beyond your own.
$1,200 annual stipend plus leadership development, training and networking opportunities with experienced environmental practitioners.
How members and advisors work together
The Council combines emerging leaders’ perspectives with the experience needed to contribute to complex climate and environmental decisions.
Council members
A cohort of 12 members develops recommendations and builds relationships with youth-serving organizations.
Senior Council Advisors
Up to five experienced climate and environmental practitioners offer optional mentorship, strengthen analysis, and help connect members with professional opportunities.
EcoLearn program leadership
Program leadership and the Council Manager provide education, coordinate Council operations, support partnerships, and connect recommendations to active climate efforts.
Advisors support and inform the Council. Council members retain their decision-making role.
Applications open October 19–November 14
What is missing is you!
Application deadline: November 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST. The Council term runs from January 2027 to January 2028.
We’re looking for passionate young people who want to help shape climate solutions, bring youth perspectives to the table, and make a difference in their communities. As a Council member, you’ll collaborate with other young leaders, receive mentorship from national leaders, develop recommendations to inform climate initiatives, and build leadership skills.
Review our FAQs. Questions? Contact nextgen@ecolearn.org.
Prepare your application
- Your motivation: Why do you want to serve? (150 words maximum)
- Your contribution and goals: What knowledge, skills, experience, and aspirations will you bring? How would serving contribute to your future goals and career plans? (500 words maximum)
- Your community: Name one pressing environmental or climate issue in your community. What are one or two government actions that could affect the outcomes? (250 words maximum)
- Your actions: What are you doing to address that issue, or what steps would you be interested in taking? Your current involvement will not affect selection. (250 words maximum)
- Your partnership: What youth-serving organization are you involved with or passionate about engaging with, and why? (150 words maximum)
Provide two references: one professional and one personal reference, or two professional references. Two personal references are not accepted. Personal references must not be immediate family members. Inform your references that they may be contacted. Write your responses in your own words without generative AI.
Before you apply
Do I need previous climate policy experience?
No. Climate expertise is not required. Members need a genuine desire to address climate and environmental issues. EcoLearn provides education and support to help members participate effectively.
Can I participate while studying or working?
The Council welcomes students and early-career professionals. Expect at least five hours per month, including at least eight Council meetings and six leadership development sessions over a one-year term, along with preparation, research, and partner engagement between meetings. The meeting schedule will be shared when confirmed.
Are meetings online?
Yes. Council meetings and leadership development sessions are remote. Members connect with a national cohort from where they live.
What if I do not already have a youth organization partner?
Council staff and advisors can help you identify and build a relationship with a youth or youth-serving climate organization.
How will my recommendations be used?
Members present recommendations to active climate rebuild efforts. Partners respond transparently, explaining what they accept, partially accept, need to explore, or will not pursue. The Council and its partners then identify opportunities for further action.
What is different about the first year?
The inaugural cohort helps establish the Council’s structure, partnerships, and working process while developing substantive recommendations. Your participation will help shape how future councils work.
Support emerging environmental and climate leaders
Your donation supports Council member stipends, leadership development, and training.