Every summer, KYCC’s Environmental Services welcomes a group of enthusiastic young individuals, aged 14 to 20, to our Summer Youth Program. This year, 8 participants have been selected to engage in hands-on experiences that focus on community involvement and urban greening stewardship. 

The program is designed not only to enhance Los Angeles’ natural environment but also to offer participants invaluable training alongside seasoned professionals. Throughout the summer, these young environmentalists dove into activities like graffiti removal, tree planting and maintenance, street clean-up projects, and education in urban forestry and environmental justice.

At the heart of this year’s program is the Tree Ambassador Program, where youth participants are introduced to the complexities of urban greening and stewardship. Through a series of workshops conducted by our partners at City Plants, they explore crucial topics such as “Overcoming Barriers to Urban Greening,” “Urban Heat, Trees & Climate Change,” and “Community Organizing for a Green & Equitable Future.” These workshops are not just educational; they are an invitation for the youth to engage actively in their communities and to envision a greener, more equitable future for Los Angeles.

The collaboration between KYCC Environmental Services and our Summer Youth is immensely rewarding. Each interaction provides a unique opportunity to understand what drives these young minds and what motivates them to be part of this initiative. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to make a difference through community building are truly inspiring. As the youth learn and grow, they also contribute to creating a lasting positive impact on the environment, reinforcing the importance of nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.

KYCC’s Environmental Services Summer Youth Programs is funded by Office of Community Beautification.