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
Every year, AYEA brings together young leaders from across Alaska for a multi-day Youth Organizer Summit. At the summit, youth build community, learn organizing and advocacy skills, and explore climate and environmental justice issues that impact their lives and communities.
The 2026 Youth Organizer Summit is themed around Land Stewardship!
Dates: September 20 – 24, 2026 (Sept. 19-25 including travel days)
Location: Near Fairbanks, AK
Applications have now closed for the 2026 Youth Organizer Summit. Please check back next year or contact AYEA staff at ayea@akcenter.org to find out ways to be involved in AYEA outside of the summit!
What’s special about this year’s Summit? What does it mean that the theme is Land Stewardship?
AYEA teens have chosen Land Stewardship as the statewide theme because connecting with and stewarding the land is crucial in creating the resilient, healthy communities we want to live in. At this year’s Summit, participants will build friendships with youth from across Alaska, gain leadership and organizing skills to take action on issues they care about, and spend time on the land. Teens will learn how our relationships with land have been shaped and how to organize to protect these important places. After the Summit, attendees will be supported by AYEA mentors to carry out their action plans and bring their new leadership skills home.
Who Should Apply:
Any Alaskan teens entering grades 9-12 in the fall that are excited about environmental action and land stewardship!
Not a teen yourself? Nominate a young person from your community who you think would benefit from this opportunity, and we’ll reach out to them with more information about applying.
Applications and nominations have now closed for the 2026 Youth Organizer Summit. Please check back next year!
Registration Costs
AYEA is committed to making our trainings accessible to all youth, regardless of financial circumstances. The five-day Youth Organizer Summit uses a pay-as-you-can model with suggested contribution levels starting at $50, up to $600. Whatever amount you are able to contribute helps keep our programs going and supports reaching all interested youth. Full scholarships are also available — no one is turned away due to cost.
Travel
Travel assistance is available to ensure all accepted youth can attend the Youth Organizer 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.
We are committed to covering all travel costs for participants as needed to make sure everyone can attend the Summit.
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.
What Happens After the Summit?
By attending the Summit, teens become part of AYEA’s 2026-2027 Youth Organizer cohort! This statewide community meets regularly (virtually) throughout the school year to work together on statewide action projects related to land stewardship.
As a Youth Organizer, you’ll also get early access to other AYEA events and trainings, including the annual spring Civics & Conservation Summit.
Want to Return as a Trainer?
The Youth Organizer Summit depends on experienced youth and adults to help lead. If you are a teen who has attended before, you may be eligible to return as a Peer Trainer — supporting new participants and co-leading workshops. To apply to be a Peer Trainer, just fill out the regular application and answer “yes” to the question that asks if you want to be a Peer Trainer!
If you are an adult who is interested in contributing your skills as a trainer, please get in touch with AYEA staff Leila at leila@akcenter.org!
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.
Applications are closed for this year’s summit. Check back in Fall 2026 to apply for the 2027 Civics Summit!
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 in high school who have attended a past AYEA summit or are involved in a local AYEA chapter.
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 Civics Summit uses a pay-as-you-can model with suggested contribution levels starting at $50, up to $600. Whatever amount you are able to contribute helps keep our programs going and supports reaching all interested youth. Full scholarships are also 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.
We are committed to covering all travel costs for participants as needed to make sure everyone can attend the Summit.
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 are a teen who has attended before, you may be eligible to return as a Peer Trainer — supporting new participants and co-leading workshops. To apply to be a Peer Trainer, just fill out the regular application and answer “yes” to the question that asks if you want to be a Peer Trainer!
If you are an adult who is interested in contributing your skills as a trainer, please get in touch with AYEA staff Leila at leila@akcenter.org!
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 Denali, Brevig Mission, Mt. Edgecumbe High School
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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