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Cornell Youth Climate Action Studio

July 13 – July 31, 2026

A small-group studio where high-school students learn about climate solutions, develop a project, and build their public voice.

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Who is it for?

This studio is for students who:​

  • Care about climate, environment, sustainability, or public issues

  • Want to explore a meaningful project

  • Are interested in communication, research, leadership, or action

  • May want to strengthen their college application story

  • Do not need advanced climate knowledge before joining

What will students do?

Students will:

  • Learn basic climate solution ideas

  • Explore real-world examples

  • Choose a topic they care about

  • Develop a project with instructor guidance

  • Discuss ideas with peers

  • Present a final project

What can students create?

Possible final projects include:

  • A climate action proposal

  • A public speech or article

  • A short research brief

  • A communication campaign idea

  • A school or community project plan

  • A video script, poster, or presentation

Your Instructors at the Cornell Civic Ecology Lab

Cornell Civic Ecology Lab has long experience designing online environmental education courses for learners around the world. The Lab connects research, environmental education, civic engagement, and practical action. This studio brings that experience to youth climate learning.

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Marianne Krasny

Professor and Director, Civic Ecology Lab, Cornell University

Focus: civic ecology, environmental education, community-based stewardship

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Alex Kudryavtsev

Research Associate, Civic Ecology Lab, Cornell University

Focus: urban environmental education, civic engagement, online learning, place-based education

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Fish Yu

Instructor and China Director, Civic Ecology Lab, Cornell University

Focus: climate governance and education, public engagement, China-U.S. sustainability practice

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How the studio works

Simple logistics:​

  • Format: online small-group studio

  • Sessions: live Zoom sessions

  • Activities: short lectures, discussion, project work, feedback

  • Final output: student presentation or project brief

  • Language: English, with Chinese support if applicable

  • Dates: July 13th to 31st, 2026

  • Tuition: RMB19,850

  • Deadline of Application: July 5th, 2026

Why parents may value it

Students will gain:

  • Stronger climate and sustainability understanding

  • Practice in English presentation and communication

  • A concrete project output

  • Experience receiving feedback from Cornell-affiliated instructors

  • A clearer personal interest story for future academic development

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Frequently asked questions

Does my child need prior climate knowledge?

No. Curiosity and willingness to participate are more important.

 

Is this a lecture course?

No. It is a studio. Students will actively discuss, design, revise, and present.

 

What will students produce?

Each student will complete a final project, such as a proposal, presentation, article, research brief, or communication product.

 

Is this useful for college preparation?

Yes, especially for students interested in environmental studies, sustainability, public policy, communication, or civic engagement.

Questions?

Contact our course administrator at chinacenterbeijing@cornell.edu and include “CYC” in the subject line.

 

We look forward to learning with you and to supporting your efforts to design educational and stewardship programs that create meaningful outcomes for individuals, communities, and the environment.

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