Rustic Pathways reports that, from the Fellowship’s 2021 launch through June 2026: 4,041 students enrolled; 1,583 graduated as Climate Leaders, from 61 countries; 47,517 attributable service hours; more than 500 community projects completed.
Young people leading local climate action
The Climate Leaders Fellowship is an eight-week online program for high school students, run in partnership with the Rustic Pathways Foundation and Stanford University Deliberative Democracy Lab. Fellows join a global cohort, pick a climate challenge in their own community, and design and carry out a service project to address it.
The Fellowship was co-created by Shayne Fitz-Coy, Dr. Alice Siu and John Hsu. It is separate from Rustic Pathways’ international travel programs: everything happens online and in the Fellow’s own community.
How the Fellowship works
- Fellows identify a local climate or environmental challenge and research the community’s needs.
- They design a solution, get feedback from peers and cohort facilitators, and build local partnerships.
- They carry out the project, measure the results and share what they achieved.
- Live weekly sessions on Zoom connect Fellows with their cohort; the rest of the time goes into the project itself.
The Fellowship uses a Pay What You Want model, with a minimum of $0, so cost does not decide who can take part.
Research and recognition
A 2024 peer-reviewed study of Climate Leaders Fellowship participants found that structured service, reflection, peer accountability and global perspectives supported civic-purpose development.
The Fellowship received the 2026 GoAbroad Innovation Awards — Innovation in Climate Action.
The Climate Leaders Fellowship is a certified awarding organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award: 31 Fellows earned 34 awards in 2022–2024. AmeriCorps has paused the national program since May 2025.
In their own words
“You don’t have to know much about climate change and activism to join. If you are just starting, it’s a great introduction, but if you are already involved, it’s also a great way to motivate you.”
Ella Perin, Durham, North Carolina
Support the Foundation
The Rustic Pathways Foundation is a partner in the Fellowship. You can support the Foundation’s work with a gift, become an Impact Ambassador, read about how the Foundation works, or see the other projects we support.
Learn more about the Fellowship’s research partner, the Stanford University Deliberative Democracy Lab.