California Projects

Audubon Youth Leaders

Our Goals
Developing young leaders through outdoor leadership training and conservation action projects.
What We’re Doing
Inclusive high school student conservation internship in California.
Group of smiling young people look at the camera while a rainbow arcs in the background
Audubon Youth Leaders. Photo: Emily Ohman/Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary

Audubon Youth Leaders Internships (AYL) is a program centered on improving access to leadership development opportunities in an outdoor setting for youth who otherwise might not have these opportunities.

The AYL Internship focuses on developing leadership skills, hands-on service learning in native ecology, and working together as a team to carry out a youth-led conservation action project.

If you are interested in joining the program for the 2025-2026 year, please fill out this registration form or contact Paige Fernandez at paige.fernandez@audubon.org. 

Register Now

Frequently Asked Questions

AYL can expect to gain skills and knowledge in interpersonal communication, collaborative teamwork, creating effective goals and action plans, social-environmental issues, native ecology, ecosystem restoration science, community action strategies, self-care and wellness, and resume writing. Through program trainings and projects, teens will uncover their individual strengths and gifts in order to more deeply develop their leadership style and self-confidence.  This program is strongly student-led. While we do have some scheduled presentations, workshops, trips, and hands-on projects, much of the program will be guided by the interests and learning goals of the team. 

Approximately 10 students per year. With this number of participants we can be sure to provide each AYL with optimal attention and support. Don’t let this stop you from applying. There is no prior experience necessary and you might be exactly who we are looking for. 

There is no application fee or associated costs. The program provides all necessary equipment, trip and registration fees, bus passes to students who need one in order to get to meeting locations, and nourishing snacks and/or meals during all team gatherings and trips. In fact, we pay you for participating! 

As a team, AYL will choose a community action project that they are excited about. Together, with the support of Audubon staff, the team will create and carry out this project. Anything goes as long as the project is realistically feasible within the time frame, involves collaboration with the community, has a positive impact on the environment, and most importantly, the team is excited about doing it. 

Confidence! Empowerment! Practicing valuable leadership skills to advocate for yourself, your community, and your world! A supportive community of peers and mentors! Work experience to build your resume! Retreats and outdoor trips! FUN personal development! Access to new opportunities and exploring career paths! Money! 

An end-of-year camping trip and celebration of all your hard work!