Environmental Youth Academy
By- and for- youth climate advocacy program
The Environmental Voices Academy (EVA) is a year-round program for youth and young adults (age 14-25) interested in climate advocacy. Students are provided with a powerful combination of climate justice curriculum and real-life advocacy tools to take action on environmental issues affecting their communities.
With opportunities for growth in leadership roles, paid fellowships, mentorship, networking, and hands-on advocacy education and experiences, EVA is a unique and empowering program for youth across the Central Coast.
Our Spring 2026 EVA Speaker Series
Open to all youth and young adults, these engaging sessions are sure to spark growth, curiosity, and a passion for positive change. Learn more about our guest speakers and how to register to attend below!
What are EVA Students are Saying
Elise S.
Student
EVA has given me the ability to use my voice in my community. My family being directly impacted by oil drilling and climate change, it was an honor being able to do what I can for them.
Miguel H.
Student
To me, EVA has been a way to expand my horizons. I’ve learned so much about community activism and legislation. I’ve been exposed to new opportunities, experiences, and people.
Dries V
Student
Learn more about the change our youth are making
FAQs
How does EVA work?
We meet every other Wednesday evening on Zoom from 6:00-7:00 pm – and have various in-person meetups and events.
The Wednesday meetings switch between Speaker Series workshops and Working Group meetings. During the Speaker Series evenings, students will hear from and engage with an expert in various environmental advocacy topics. During the Working Group evenings, students work together to design and implement advocacy plans to create impactful change in their communities.
The rubber meets the road at community events and activities outside of the scheduled meeting times, which will vary in time and frequency. These include public hearings, city council meetings, direct actions, letter writing events, and fun community-building activities.
How long does it last?
The EVA program runs throughout the year.
Students are eligible to receive a completion certificate after six months of active participation in the program, including six Speaker Series, six Working Groups, and contributing significantly to the development and implementation of an advocacy plan.
Students are strongly encouraged, and often do, continue to participate in EVA even after they receive their certificates. Prolonged involvement makes students eligible for paid fellowships and other leadership roles within CFROG’s youth programming.
Why sign up?
EVA is designed for students who are passionate about environmental issues and eager to create meaningful change on the Central Coast and beyond. Through the program, participants learn to articulate a climate-action theory of change, use storytelling to communicate environmental justice messages, and collaborate with peers to develop and implement concrete advocacy plans.
EVA students identify potential community leadership roles, create local roadmaps for change, and gain the skills to influence climate policy at the local level. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers in political science, climate policy, or environmental science—and join a lifelong network of advocates and scientists committed to building a sustainable future.
Who can join?
EVA is open to all youth and young adults (age 14-25) in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
Is there an application?
No, EVA is open to all youth and young adults at all times.
Does it cost anything to participate?
EVA is free to all participants!
What about paid fellowships?
On various occasions, we are able to offer paid temporary fellowships to involved EVA students. These are generally announced in the Fall and Spring, and involve a peer-review process to ensure all parts of the program are for and by youth.
Being a part of EVA has boosted my confidence…I attended a youth roundtable meeting with the California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and I felt confident enough to share my thoughts about climate change and fossil fuels in California.