© 2025 The Alaska Center Education Fund
Alaska Youth for Environmental Action
Inspiring young Alaskans to lead the charge for climate justice.
Since 1998, Alaska Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA) has empowered more than 5,000 youth across Alaska to speak up for their communities and the environment. Founded by six teens from Kodiak and Anchorage, AYEA trains the next generation of climate leaders through immersive programs, community campaigns, and youth-led advocacy.
AYEA, a program of The Alaska Center Education Fund, supports Alaskan youth ages 13–18—both rural and urban—as they grow into bold, effective advocates for climate justice. We host two annual leadership summits focused on advocacy and organizing, support year-round youth-led community action projects, and help teens build local AYEA chapters across the state.
We are youth-led. Teens set the agenda, lead campaigns, and drive change—with support from experienced mentors and staff. Learn more about each of AYEA’s programs below!
Youth Organizer Summit
Apply now for the 2025 Youth Organizer Summit, themed around Climate & Storytelling!
Summit Dates:
September 14-18, 2025 in Chugiak, AK (outside Anchorage)
Application Deadline:
June 30, 2025
What’s Special About This Year’s Summit?
We believe that telling your own story about how climate change is impacting you and your community can be an important tool in advocating for action. At this year’s summit, participants will build friendships with youth from across Alaska, gain leadership skills to take action on issues you care about, and learn digital movie-making techniques that will help you tell important climate stories about your community. No prior film-making experience is needed – beginners encouraged! We will be learning to make short films with everyday technology like smartphones. At the summit itself we will be learning and practicing film-making skills. After the summit, attendees will be supported by AYEA mentors to complete a 5-minute short-film telling a climate related story about their community.
What Happens After the Summit?
By attending the summit, you’ll become a part of AYEA’s 2025-26 Youth Organizer cohort! You’ll connect with a statewide network of teens, meeting monthly (virtually) during the school year to collaborate on action projects. This year, we’ll focus on creating short, 5-minute films about climate change in your community, with AYEA mentors supporting you every step of the way. Together, we’ll share these stories to inspire action! As a Youth Organizer, you’ll also get early access to other AYEA events and trainings, including the spring Civics & Conservation Summit.
Who Should Apply:
Any Alaskan teen ages 13-18! This year’s summit is themed around climate change and storytelling, with a focus on telling stories through digital media (short films). We highly encourage youth to apply who are interested in digital storytelling as a tool for action – but no prior experience is necessary!
Not a teen yourself? Nominate an awesome teen you know from your community who you think would benefit from this opportunity! We’ll reach out and invite them personally to apply.
Registration Costs
AYEA is committed to making our trainings accessible to all youth, regardless of financial circumstances.The 5-day Youth Organizer Summit uses a pay-what-you-can model with suggested contribution levels starting at $50.
The full cost of meals, local transportation, lodging, training sessions, and all program materials is $950/participant. Whatever amount you are able to contribute helps us keep our programs going.Full scholarships are available—no one is turned away due to cost.
Travel
Travel assistance is available to ensure all accepted youth can attend the YO Summit—no matter where you’re from.
If you’re accepted, AYEA will work closely with you and your family to coordinate travel plans. Families who are able to cover the cost of their teen’s travel are encouraged to do so—this helps free up travel scholarships for others who need support.
Whenever possible, AYEA covers airfare through donated Alaska Airlines miles. For other airlines, we ask families to first explore local funding options—such as school districts, community organizations, or businesses. If those aren’t available, AYEA will help fill in the gap to make sure no one is left out due to cost.
In most cases, teens travel on their own and are met at their destination by AYEA staff. We understand this might be a teen’s first time flying solo—if you’d prefer to travel with a trusted adult, you can request a chaperone in your application.
Want to Return as a Trainer?
The Youth Organizer Summit depends on experienced youth and adults to help lead. If you’ve attended before, you may be eligible to return as a Peer Trainer—supporting new participants and co-leading workshops. Applications to apply as a Peer Trainer are open now for the upcoming YO Summit from September 14-18, 2025 in Chugiak, AK.
Questions about the YO Summit?
Contact Leila Pyle, AYEA Program Manager
Email: AYEA@akcenter.org
Civics & Conservation Summit
Each spring, AYEA Youth Delegates gather in Juneau for an immersive week of advocacy, leadership, and learning for the Civics & Conservation Summit. This summit empowers teens to engage directly with Alaska’s legislative process—and share their voices where it matters most.
What You’ll Do:
- Learn how state government works.
- Meet one-on-one with legislators.
- Advocate for environmental and community issues.
Who Can Join:
Teens ages 13-18 across Alaska. No prior experience necessary—just curiosity and commitment.
What does it mean to be a youth delegate?
As a Youth Delegate, you’ll represent your community at the state capitol. With training from AYEA, you’ll learn to craft your personal story, understand current bills, and advocate for the issues that matter to you.
You’ll also build lifelong connections with peers who share your passion for change.
Registration Costs
AYEA is committed to making our trainings accessible to all youth, regardless of financial circumstances.The 5-day Civics & Conservation Summit uses a pay-what-you-can model with suggested contribution levels starting at $50.
The full cost of meals, local transportation, lodging, training sessions, and all program materials is $950/participant. Whatever amount you are able to contribute helps us keep our programs going.Full scholarships are available—no one is turned away due to cost.
Travel
Travel assistance is available to ensure all accepted youth can attend the Civics Summit—no matter where you’re from.
If you’re accepted, AYEA will work closely with you and your family to coordinate travel plans. Families who are able to cover the cost of their teen’s travel are encouraged to do so—this helps free up travel scholarships for others who need support.
Whenever possible, AYEA covers airfare through donated Alaska Airlines miles. For other airlines, we ask families to first explore local funding options—such as school districts, community organizations, or businesses. If those aren’t available, AYEA will help fill in the gap to make sure no one is left out due to cost.
In most cases, teens travel on their own and are met at their destination by AYEA staff. We understand this might be a teen’s first time flying solo—if you’d prefer to travel with a trusted adult, you can request a chaperone in your application.
Are you older than 18 or have you attended this summit in the past?
Like the YO Summit, AYEA relies on the experience and leadership of both youth and adults to make our Civics & Conservation Summit meaningful.
- Past participants are invited to return as Peer Trainers, helping to lead workshops, mentor first-time attendees, and grow their leadership skills.
- Adults with backgrounds in environmental advocacy, climate justice, or community organizing are encouraged to join our pool of Adult Trainers.
We’re not currently recruiting for these roles, but outreach typically begins a few months before the summit (around November-December). If you’re interested, you’re welcome to email us to express interest and be notified when applications open!
Questions about the Civics & Conservation Summit?
Contact Leila Pyle, AYEA Program Manager
Email: AYEA@akcenter.org
Trainings & Workshops
In addition to our annual summits, AYEA occasionally offers shorter trainings and skills-based workshops in communities across Alaska.
We’ll update this page with upcoming opportunities as they’re scheduled. You can also subscribe to The Alaska Center Education Fund’s email list to stay in the loop on AYEA program updates.
Want to bring a training to your community?
We’d love to hear from you—email us at ayea@akcenter.org.
Local AYEA Chapters
Are you an Alaskan youth (ages 13-18) passionate about environmental action? Want to team up with friends and make a real impact in your community? Join or start a local AYEA chapter!
What is an AYEA chapter?
AYEA chapters are youth-led groups that meet locally to work on AYEA’s statewide campaigns or tackle environmental issues affecting their schools and communities. Chapters can be school-based clubs or community-wide groups that bring together members from multiple schools.
Where are AYEA chapters?
We currently have active chapters in:
📍 Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks
🌎 Active members in Utqiagvik, Bethel, Kake, Noatak, Kobuk, Chignik Lagoon, and Galena
How to Get Started
- Already have an AYEA chapter in your area? We’ll connect you!
- No chapter in your community? We’ll help you start one — It can be as simple as gathering a few friends who share your passion!
- Interested? Contact Leila Pyle, AYEA Program Manager at ayea@akcenter.org.
Contact us
If you have any questions about our programs or would like to learn more, please contact our AYEA Program Manager Leila Pyle at ayea@akcenter.org.
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Become a Volunteer
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