Youth Climate Advocacy Committee Member Application

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens seeks a cohort of high school and college-age youth to be part of our Youth Climate Advocacy Committee. We are seeking a diverse group with a wide range of skills and interests, especially in areas of the arts, science, technology, and community outreach. We encourage those with a strong passion for the environment and education to apply. Since this committee will be youth-led, we value strong motivation, creativity, enthusiasm, and teamwork.

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YCAC Member Role Description:

The Youth Climate Advocacy Committee is comprised of two leaders, three to five team leads and 20-30 youth members. Being a committee member is a stipend-based position beginning on September 30, 2026 and ending in April 21, 2027. Committee members can expect to attend regular meetings on Wednesday nights from 6 - 8pm at Phipps Conservatory and perform committee tasks averaging 2-3 hours per week.

Eligibility: 
All applicants must be between 16 and 23 years old by Sept 30 to apply for this opportunity. Applicants should be high school or college-aged, but do not have to be currently enrolled in school to apply. Applicants should have an interest in climate action, the environment and/or justice issues.

Summary of Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:

• Work closely with other youth, Phipps staff and other organizations on advocacy projects of your choice in the Pittsburgh community. Advocacy projects should have a climate change/environmental justice focus and should aim to build relationships and have a lasting impact in the community. Projects are entirely youth-driven and supported by Phipps
• Collaborate with other young people to learn and grow, work together on joint advocacy projects, and share resources and knowledge
• Attend meetings and workshops on science communication, climate advocacy, environmental justice, leadership, and project planning
• Discuss environmental topics such as water quality and management, food systems, natural resources, ecology, green technology, environmental justice and education best practices
• Guide Phipps Conservatory in educating the community about climate action and environmental justice

* Stipends are limited; applicants not selected as committee members will be encouraged to participate in other ways.

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Additional Leadership Opportunity: Critical Action Lab Junior Fellow

In addition to their role in the Youth Climate Advocacy Committee, we are seeking two youth to participate in the virtual Critical Action Lab (CAL) program through the Natural History Museum of Utah. CAL brings together youth from around the country for virtual sessions to work on developing climate action, communication and story-telling, and critical thinking skills. Junior fellows will bring what they learn in CAL back to YCAC to deepen understanding and skill development within the committee. Junior fellows are paid an additional stipend for their participation. 

Eligibility
Junior fellows must be at least 16 years old and should be either sophomores or juniors in high school. We hope that junior CAL fellows will return to participate in the 2027-2028 cohort as senior CAL fellows; the ability and desire to do so is prioritized in our selection process for this position.

Summary of Responsibilities:
In addition to the role and responsibilities listed above for YCAC members, junior CAL fellow responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:

• Maintain excellent meeting attendance at virtual CAL meetings on Sunday from October to June. Meetings usually occur on the first Sunday of every month in late morning to early afternoon (11-1pm or 12-2pm), with mandatory on-boarding dates on Sun., Sept 13 and Sun., Sept 20. A final schedule will be shared closer to the start.
• Network with and engage young people in other organizations and cities; model resource-sharing and collaboration between other like-minded youth.
• Participate in a CAL committee of your choice (network, skills, stories/social media, projects)
• Help plan events or activities that encourage more people in the community to be involved in climate action (such as a climate game night, youth summit, etc.)
• Collect video footage and photography to capture the events, activities, your working group(s)’ planning process and implementation. Complete “Lab Notes” videos and create social posts to document progress.

If you are interested in applying for the junior CAL fellow position, please note this in your YCAC member application and in your creative submission. 
* Junior CAL Fellow applicants MUST apply by the Round 1 (Early) Deadline to be considered. *

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Please submit your application and essay (via email, mail or online form below) to the Youth Climate Advocacy Coordinator by Sun., Aug 23 at 11:59pm for Round 1 or Wed., Sept 9 at 11:59pm for Round 2. If you have any questions, feel free to email or call during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:30 - 5pm).

Contact Information: 

Jennifer Torrance, Youth Climate Advocacy Coordinator
One Schenley Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
jtorrance@phipps.conservatory.org
412-622-6915, ext. 3230

Questions? Contact Jennifer Torrance, Youth Climate Advocacy Coordinator at jtorrance@phipps.conservatory.org or 412-622-6915, ext. 3230.