YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

Building Youth Power on the
Frontlines of the Climate Crisis

Our youth fellowships invest in frontline leadership and intergenerational movement-building across Texas. We provide paid opportunities for youth to learn organizing, political education, and community-based research—bridging knowledge, creativity, and action.

Each fellowship is rooted in local context and builds youth power to advance environmental and social justice.

TX Environmental Justice Fellowship

Texas is the largest oil-producing state, and communities of color face the brunt of pollution and climate impacts—from petrochemical plants and LNG pipelines to water contamination, extreme heat, and deadly storms.

This fellowship provides Black and Indigenous frontline youth (ages 15–22) with a paid eight-week opportunity to grow as leaders, organizers, and changemakers.

Fellows receive political education, hands-on training, and experience working with grassroots environmental justice organizations.

By expanding the capacity of local groups and building youth leadership, this program strengthens the foundation for systemic change and climate justice across Texas.

Montopolis Youth Fellowship

The Montopolis Youth Fellowship is an 8-month community-based program for youth (ages 15–22) from Austin’s Montopolis neighborhood—an area facing gentrification, displacement, and environmental injustice.

Four youth fellows collaborate with Start:Empowerment and community partners to design and implement a campaign rooted in local needs. Fellows receive political education, mentorship, and support to grow as organizers and leaders.

By investing in Montopolis youth, we’re strengthening existing grassroots efforts, fostering intergenerational leadership, and creating pathways toward environmental justice and green jobs.