Alberta Youth Leaders for Environmental Education
Are you a grade 7 to 12 student who wants to get involved in the AYLEE program? Apply below!
Are you a post-secondary student who wants to gain volunteer experience? Apply below!
Overview
The Alberta Youth Leaders for Environmental Education (AYLEE) program is for grades 7-12 youth across Alberta. AYLEE provides youth with opportunities to connect with like-minded youth; learn about the environment, energy, and climate change; collaborate on projects that advance environmental education and climate action; present at and host various environmental and education-related meetings and events across the province; and act within their schools to help build a brighter, more sustainable future.
Our new partnership with post-secondary students provides a unique opportunity for both university/college students and AYLEE members to engage in meaningful learning experiences. This collaboration allows university students to gain hands-on experience in education and environmental leadership while fostering a dynamic environment where AYLEE members can network with peers and post-secondary students alike in small group settings. Together, they explore innovative ideas, share knowledge, and build valuable connections that will serve them well in their future endeavours.
What You’ll Learn
- Climate change science
- Energy conservation
- Sustainable living practices
- Environmental stewardship
- Leadership and teamwork skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Community engagement
- Project management
- Advocacy and policy development
- Analyzing and addressing complex environmental issues
What You’ll Do
The AYLEE Program is made up of 3 main components:
- Virtual meetings every two weeks to discuss environmental and climate change topics, meet other like-minded youth, and learn from environmental professional guest speakers, and more!
- Multiple in-person events throughout the year to bring the whole AYLEE team together, participate in workshops and activities, and develop leadership and teamwork skills.
- Your own AYLEE Action Project – a self-directed project focusing on environmental education or climate action in your own community! With the support of ACEE staff, AYLEE members work individually or as a team to design and deliver an environmental action project to take what they have learned and put it into action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AYLEE?
Alberta Youth Leaders for Environmental Education (AYLEE) program is for students in grades 7-12 in Alberta. It gives young people a chance to meet others who share their interests, learn about the environment, energy, and climate change, work together on projects that advance environmental education and climate action, and get involved in their schools to contribute to the creation of a better, more sustainable future.
How can I join AYLEE?
Sign up using the button above to begin your initial registration. Once you complete some basic information, one of our staff will contact you to complete the remainder of the registration!
How much does it cost to be a part of AYLEE?
The program is FREE for participating youth.
When is the due date for applications for the AYLEE program?
Youth are welcome to apply to the AYLEE program at any point in the school year. Of course, the sooner in the year you apply the better, to be able to take advantage of all the program has to offer! We don’t want to turn away any young person who is passionate about the environment and climate action, so please feel free to send in your application anytime!
What kind of projects do AYLEE members work on?
AYLEE has participated in advocacy campaigns, drafting white papers, and delivering community workshops, presenting at teacher conventions, and planning and convening at youth summits. AYLEE members also run school-based environmental action projects that might include creating Eco Clubs, leading community garden initiatives, sit spots, and the list goes on!
What are the benefits of joining AYLEE?
Joining AYLEE offers chances to meet like-minded people, learn about energy, the environment, and climate change, and work together on initiatives that have a positive impact. Additionally, it offers a venue for presenting at and hosting a range of environmental and/or educational-related meetings and events across the province, as well as for taking initiatives in classrooms to contribute to the creation of a more sustainable future.
How can I support AYLEE?
If you are a young person in junior or high school, you can support by becoming a member. If you are a teacher, you can support by encouraging climate leaders in your school to get involved in the program! Also, we’re always looking for guest presenters, so If you are an environmental or energy professional who would like to share your work with our youth, please get in touch!
Resources for Environmental Youth Leaders
Join AYLEE in the 2024-2025 school year!
Join AYLEE to connect and collaborate with passionate youth across Alberta! Registration is open for the 2024-2025 school year.