Sierra Club DC Chapter Leadership Program

Members of the Sierra Club DC Climate Leadership Program

The Sierra Club DC Climate Leaders Program provides six months of hands-on training and mentorship to young and aspiring environmental activists. Sierra Club Climate Leaders learn about pressing local environmental issues and their solutions. Then, working with a supportive mentor, each fellow develops and delivers an impactful Capstone Project that promotes the sustainability and health of the District of Columbia.

What Will I Learn?

  • Core climate and environmental justice concepts
  • The landscape of DC environmental issues, solutions, and advocacy
  • Community organizing and political advocacy skills
  • Leadership skills required to plan and deliver on environmental activism

What Will I Earn?

  • Community Service Project Hours
  • Certificate of completion issued by the DC Chapter of the Sierra Club
  • Connection to a network of environmentally motivated peers and adults who are effectively advocating to make the District more sustainable and healthy.

What are the projects like?

You can check them out here.

Who Can Participate?

The Sierra Club DC Climate Leaders Program is open to students who live in DC who will be a high school junior, sophomore, or freshman during the 2025-2026 school year (as well as high-school aged students from non-traditional schools).

When Will the Program Happen?

The Sierra Club DC Climate Leaders Program will begin in September 2025 and run through March 2026. Leaders will meet twice a month, with a mix of in person and virtual meetings on Sundays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

How Can I Apply?

Submit the application below by midnight on Friday, September 1st 2025.

Have Questions?

If you would like more information, please feel free to email youth@dc.sierraclub.org.

Full Name

Your Information

You must be a freshman, sophomore, or junior during the 2025-2026 school year to apply.
You must be 14 years old or older to participate in our leadership program.
Address
Area(s) of Interest
Which of the following environmental issues are you most interested in working on?
Parent or Guardian Name

Parent/Guardian Info

Please provide contact information for one of your parents or guardians.

Reference #1 Name

References

Please provide two references. These should be two adults who are not relatives. (Please confirm with each person that they are comfortable serving as a reference for you.)

Reference #1

Reference #2 Name

Reference #2

Essay Question

In fewer than 250 words, please describe your current leadership qualities and the attributes you want to develop to become a better leader. Please provide specific examples to illustrate your ideas.