Apply to the Council
Application deadline: November 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
Write all responses in your own words. Do not use generative AI to answer the application questions.
Questions? nextgen@ecolearn.org
Council application
Please keep a copy of your answers in a separate file or print your answers before submitting. You will not receive a separate copy of your response.
Complete the application below. If the form does not load, open the application in a new tab.
With thanks to our supporters
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.
Before you apply
Do I need previous climate policy experience?
No. Climate expertise is not required. Members need a demonstrated interest in 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.
NGCC application questions
Application deadline: November 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Applicants must be 18–30 on January 31, 2027, and either live in the United States or its territories, or be a US citizen living abroad.
Write all responses in your own words. Do not use generative AI to answer the application questions.
Contact information
- Full name and preferred name (if different)
- Email address and phone number
- LinkedIn profile (if available)
- City, state or territory, and country
- Age on January 31, 2027, and residency / citizenship eligibility
Background and optional demographics
Career level (undergraduate student, graduate student, recent graduate, or early-career professional); preferred pronouns; gender identity; and race / ethnicity (choose one or more). Demographic responses are optional. They may be considered but will not be deciding factors in acceptance.
Written responses
You do not need a climate background. We welcome a wide variety of skills, interests, lived experiences, and perspectives.
- Why do you want to serve on the NextGen Climate Council? (150-word max)
- What knowledge, skills, experience, and aspirations will you bring to the NextGen Climate Council? How would serving on the Council contribute to your future goals and career plans? (500-word max)
- Name one pressing environmental or climate issue in your community. What are one or two actions the government could take to impact the outcomes for this issue? (250-word max)
- What actions, if any, are you currently taking to address the issue you identified in Question 3? If you are not currently taking action, what are one or two steps you would be interested in taking to address the issue? (250-word max)
Your current level of environmental or climate-related involvement will not affect your selection for the Council.
- What is a youth-serving organization you are currently involved with or would be passionate about engaging with and why? (150-word max)
Two references
Provide one professional and one personal reference, or two professional references. Two personal references are not accepted. Personal references must not be immediate family members.
- Reference 1: name, email, phone number, personal or professional reference, and relationship to you.
- Reference 2: name, email, phone number, personal or professional reference, and relationship to you.
A professional reference may be a supervisor, teacher, professor, mentor, or colleague who can speak to your work, skills, leadership, or character. Tell both references that we may contact them to verify information and learn more about your qualifications and character.