Empowering the Next Generation of Climate Leaders
The South Central Youth Leadership Coalition (SCYLC) Fellowship is designed to equip young leaders in Los Angeles with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to create lasting change in their communities. The program is dedicated to nurturing youth ages 18-25 who are passionate about climate action, environmental justice, and social impact.
Fellowship Overview
This 10-month fellowship provides youth with hands-on training and expert mentorship to lead in climate innovation. Fellows will engage in bi-weekly, in-person workshops on Saturdays from 12–3 PM, beginning February 7, 2026 at Mercado La Paloma. A specialized GIS course will begin on August 8, 2026, to give fellows more practical skills in geographic information systems (GIS) mapping.
Program Benefits
- $5,000 stipend to support your participation.
- Upon completion, fellows can apply for seed funding to launch their own community impact projects.
- Gain direct access to experts and leaders in climate and environmental justice movements.
Meet the Changemakers
The program is led by seasoned activists and experts who have made significant impacts in environmental justice:
- Nalleli Cobo – Environmental justice activist and Goldman Environmental Prize winner, who helped shut down a toxic oil drilling site in South Los Angeles.
- Monic Uriarte – Co-founder of People Not Pozos, dedicated to advancing community health and protections against urban drilling.
Fellowship Topics
The fellowship covers critical areas of climate action and organizing, with expert-led workshops on the following topics:
- Campaign Building – Chris Lehman | NextGen Policy
- Climate Policy – Andrea Vidaurre | The People’s Collective for Environmental Justice
- Health and Climate – Dr. Tara Benesh
- Community Organizing – mark! Lopez | East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice
- Civic Engagement – Caleb Rabinowitz | Chief of Staff to Assembly Member Isaac Bryan
- Running for Office – Nathan Castillo | Elect.org
- Clean Energy – Climate Reality Project
- Public Speaking and Storytelling – Aimee Dewing | Environmental Working Group
- Ocean Conservation – Bodhi Patil | Innerlight
- GIS Mapping – CDLS | UCLA
- And More!
Eligibility & Application
- Open to youth ages 18-25 in the Los Angeles area.
- Ideal for those passionate about climate justice, environmental policy, and community organizing.
For more information and to apply, visit: SCYLC Fellowship Application