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There's a place for YOU in climate action.
Year 1 applications open August 10 & close September 23rd, 2026
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ABOUT THE PROGRAM
COLLABORATIVE, YOUTH-LED CLIMATE ACTION
​​​The Sustainability Institute's Climate Fellows Program is a cohort-based leadership and learning experience that empowers young adults to design, implement, and lead meaningful climate action projects in the La Crosse community.
Created using successes from both the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) and MPower, the program builds on the momentum of youth-led climate initiatives by combining hands-on project development with collaborative learning, mentorship, and connections to local sustainability leaders.
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From October through May, Fellows will participate in monthly cohort sessions that explore climate action through current local and global examples, lessons from past youth-led projects, conversations with community leaders, and opportunities to learn about the City of La Crosse's ongoing Climate Action Plan. As the program progresses, participants move from learning and relationship-building into project ideation, gathering community feedback, collaborative planning, and ultimately implementing a climate action project that creates meaningful impact in our community.
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By blending education, collaboration, and real-world action, Climate Fellows equips participants with the skills, confidence, and experience to discover their role in advancing a more sustainable and resilient future.
Sustainability Institute Climate Fellows Program is supported in partnership with the City of La Crosse.
ELIGIBILITY & CAPACITY
The Sustainability Institute Climate Fellows program is for young adults who are passionate about creating positive change and are eager to collaborate with peers on local climate solutions. Our Year 1 cohort has space for 5 Fellows selected through a committee reviewed application process.
Applicants must:
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Be enrolled at a college or university in the La Crosse area or ages 18-24 and have graduated high school.
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Be available to participate in monthly in person cohort meetings from October through May. (See schedule below)
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Commit to actively contributing to the planning and implementation of the cohort's climate action project(s).
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Demonstrate an interest in climate action, sustainability, community engagement, or related fields. Prior experience is welcome but not required.
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Collaborate with fellow participants, community partners, and local sustainability leaders throughout the program.
​​Climate Fellows welcomes young adults from all academic disciplines and backgrounds. We believe diverse perspectives and experiences strengthen climate solutions and encourage anyone with a passion for making a difference to apply. Climate Fellows has a place for you in climate action!
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Participants who successfully complete the Sustainability Institute Climate Fellows program, including active participation in the cohort experience and completion of the climate action project(s), will receive a $500 Climate Fellowship in recognition of their commitment, leadership, and contributions to building a more sustainable and thriving community.
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WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE FOR A SUSTAINABILITY INSITUTE CLIMATE FELLOW?
Successful Sustainability Institute Climate Fellows are committed, engaged, and take action to complete a meaningful climate action project. To successfully complete the Fellowship, and receive a $500 Climate Fellowship, participants are expected to:
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Attend Orientation and at least 7 of the 8 in person monthly sessions. (See tentative schedule outline below)
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Actively participate in session discussions and project planning activities.
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Dedicate time outside of scheduled sessions, both independently and with teammates, to plan, implement, and complete a climate action project with the cohort.
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Attend Earth Fair on Sunday, April 25th to showcase Climate Fellows & your project.
2026-27 PROGRAM INFORMATION
APPLICATION & PROGRAM TIMELINE
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Application Opens: 8/10/26
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Informational Zoom & Q&A: 9/15/26
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Application Closes & Review Begins: 9/23/26
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Fellow Selection & Cohort Announcement: 9/28/26
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Orientation: 10/14/26
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Session #1: 10/28/26 (Sessions monthly October through April)
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A full schedule of sessions will be available at Orientation for selected Fellows. Anticipated sessions will be in the evening for 2 hours.
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Project highlight at Earth Fair: 4/25/27
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Program Wrap & Celebration: May 2027
Have a question? Contact us!
ANTICIPATED PROGRAM OUTLINE
Session topics, dates & details are subject to change as fellows are selected and a project is developed. Most sessions will be 2 hours (in-person) and held on Western Technical College’s campus.
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Orientation - October 14, 2026 6-7:30PM
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Session #1 - October 28, 2026 (Your Place in Climate Action & City of La Crosse Climate Action Plan)
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Session #2 - November 2026 (Project Ideation & Connecting the Dots)
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Session #3 - December 2026 (Gathering Feedback & Refining Ideas)
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Session #4 - January 2026 (Project Planning - Flying solo!)
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Session #5 - February 2027 (Project Planning & Making Connections)
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Session #6 - March 2027 (Project Work)
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Session #7 - April 2027 (Project Work, Wrap up & Public Outreach)
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Earth Fair - April 25, 2027​
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Session #8 - May 2027 (Sharing your Wins & Celebration)
VISION & GOALS
Sustainability Institute Climate Fellows empowers young people to design, implement, and lead climate solutions through collaborative learning and hands-on project-building experiences, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and connections to create lasting impact in their communities.
The Sustainability Institute Climate Fellows program aims to:
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Empower youth climate leaders by providing the knowledge, skills, and confidence to design and implement meaningful climate action projects.
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Foster collaborative learning through a cohort-based experience that encourages peer learning, mentorship, and engagement with local sustainability leaders.
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Develop hands-on project management skills by guiding participants through the process of planning, implementing, and evaluating real-world climate initiatives.
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Strengthen community connections by building relationships between students, local organizations, and community partners working on climate solutions.
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Create lasting local impact through youth-led projects that support the City of La Crosse's Climate Action Plan and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient community.