About
The Climate Action Collective is a scholarship-based, immersive leadership climate community for high school students interested in climate change and community activism. The Collective serves as a launchpad for dialogue, community action, leadership skills, and knowledge of the natural environment and history of New Jersey. Participants will explore connections between food, agriculture, and climate change, through reading, discussions, activities, and farmwork.
Participants will also volunteer at the City Green Farm Eco-Center in the farm and garden spaces, where they learn about regenerative agriculture and connect with City Green’s volunteer community. Youth will also visit key, local community and conservation organizations, as well as ecological sites. Throughout the Crew’s time of service-learning, participants will collaborate on group zine about a specific topic related to climate change and agriculture/food systems. At the culmination of this program, participants are honored at a community film screening that engages the public in climate and food systems education and action.
By the end of the 2026 Collective’s time together, participants will
- Find meaningful connection to topics that affect our local environment and community
- Gain more confidence outdoors
- Develop their personal and collaborative leadership skills
- Be empowered to take action and share information they learn with friends and community
Young leaders have made great strides in the movements for food and climate justice. More local momentum is possible by bringing together passionate high school students.
The Collective will meet once a week from July 1 through August 19 at the City Green Farm Eco-Center in Clifton. An orientation will be hosted on the farm on June 17. The program will end with a community film screening and awards ceremony on August 20. Sessions are facilitated by a City Green staff member, following a curriculum with guided readings, activities, volunteer work, and off-site field trips*.
The Collective curriculum consists of activities and discussions on climate science, art and storytelling, gardening, food justice, community action, New Jersey ecology, and more!
Compensation
Participants will receive a $500 stipend and up to 10 volunteer hours, received upon successful completion of the program.
Meetings
Members meet at the City Green Farm Eco Center to learn about a variety of food, climate and environmental justice topics. At the beginning of the program, participants receive books to read that relate to the workshop topics. At meetings, students openly discuss, brainstorm, and complete activities about food and agriculture, climate change, community-based action, and leadership.
Volunteering
Climate Action Collective Members volunteer on the City Green Farm once a week. Members work alongside community members and City Green staff to complete a variety of tasks, including harvesting and weeding.
Field Trips
On select days of the program, 3-5 field trips will be scheduled. In the past, field trips have included birdwatching, kayaking, and an art workshop!
Eligibility
Qualifications:
- Students must be Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors as of September 2026.
- Students must be from Passaic County or Bergen County
We are looking for students who are:
- Passionate about the food, the environment and their community
- Interested in taking action in their community
- Driven and responsible
- Ready to take their learning to the next level
- Willing to collaborate with other high school students
- No prior knowledge or experience is required to join the Collective.