Apply here for AYEA's 2025 Civics & Conservation Summit!
Applications for the 2025 Civics & Conservation Summit are open to youth ages 13-18 who have attended a past AYEA summit or training, or are a part of a local chapter. Applications are due on Monday, January 6th, 2025.
Never been a part of AYEA? Check back in in May for applications to the 2025 Youth Organizer Summit, open to all Alaskan youth ages 13-18!
About the Civics & Conservation Summit
Each spring, AYEA Youth Delegates gather in Juneau with 15-20 other teens from across Alaska to gain skills in communication, advocacy, and the democratic process. Teens meet with their legislators, advocate for bills and topics they care about, and develop their power to influence positive change. The Civics & Conservation Summit is a transformational experience that prepares young people to make real change on the issues that they are passionate about.
What does it mean to be a youth delegate?
Being a Youth Delegate means committing to represent yourself and your community in our state capitol as you work collaboratively with other young people from across Alaska to advocate for issues that matter to you. With training and support from AYEA, Youth Delegates learn about current legislation and policies being considered by the Alaska Legislature that are relevant to AYEA youth, and receive training on how to develop a story and message to share with your elected officials. Towards the end of the Summit, Youth Delegates will meet with their State Senators and Representatives, and have the chance to share their story and advocate for what matters to their communities. Being a Youth Delegate is also a chance to get to know other teens from across the state who care about similar things to you and want to take action together!
Are you older than 18 or have you attended this summit in the past? We also depend on the skills, knowledge, and wisdom of adult and youth trainers alike to make each summit happen! Youth who have attended past AYEA summits are encouraged to apply as Peer Trainers to help lead workshops, practice their leadership skills, and share their experiences with other youth. Adults who have experience in environmental advocacy, climate justice, or other community organizing work are encouraged to apply to join our pool of Adult Trainers!
Registration Cost
AYEA is committed to keeping our trainings accessible to all youth, no matter your family's financial position. The registration cost of the 5-day Civics Summit is tiered for families of all income levels on a pay-what-you-can basis in levels of $50, $200, $400, and $600. This registration fee covers all meals, local transportation, accommodations, and training and supplies for participants while they are at the summit. Full scholarships are also available when needed.
Travel
If you are accepted to the Civics Summit, AYEA will work with you and your family to arrange travel. Families who are in a position to cover the cost of their teen’s travel to and from the summit are encouraged to do so, as this makes more travel scholarships available for additional youth! Travel support and scholarships are also available to families who need them. Most often, any travel via Alaska Airlines will be covered by AYEA through donated miles from our community supporters. For other airlines, we ask participants to first speak with your local school district, community organizations, or business to see if they can cover all or part of the cost. AYEA will work with you after that to make sure all costs are covered!
In most cases, youth travel to and from AYEA summits unaccompanied by a chaperone and are met at their final destination by AYEA staff. However, we know that this may be some teen’s first time flying alone! If you would like to request to have an adult chaperone from your community accompany you or your group please note this in your application!
Don't forget to apply by Monday, January 6th!
Questions?
Contact Leila Pyle, AYEA Program Manager
Email: [email protected]