2026 Mobilizing Youth Advocates for Resilient Communities (MYARC)
The MYARC program is a 7-week program that will engage a diverse group of local SGV youth between the ages of 14-18 around environmental health and justice issues. After successful completion of the MYARC program, participants will be eligible for a $550 stipend.
Applications for our 2026 MYARC program are now open! The deadline to apply to this program is May 3, 2026. Click on the button below to access the program application form. Spots are limited!
Environmental Justice in the San Gabriel Valley
San Gabriel Valley (SGV) residents are disproportionately impacted by numerous environmental risks, including air, water, and soil pollution, drought, extreme heat, and other issues related to climate change. There is a need for more public education available to APIs in the SGV to increase awareness of local environmental burdens and opportunities to advocate for policies that address these burdens.
Why is MYARC needed and why does it matter?
MYARC exists because API youth, especially those from disadvantaged communities, continue to be underrepresented in environmental advocacy and in the public decision-making processes that shape community health. Many SGV communities experience overlapping environmental burdens (air pollution exposure, inequitable access to green space, climate impacts, and built environment challenges), yet youth often have limited access to environmental justice (EJ) learning and limited pathways to practice civic participation in a supported way. MYARC addresses this gap by building EJ knowledge grounded in SGV realities, developing leadership and advocacy skills, and creating clearer on-ramps to civic participation and community action.
Encounter EJ Issues Firsthand
MYARC will be an innovative way for youth to learn about environmental justice and its disproportionate impact on people of color communities through weekly workshops led by our community partners. This program will connect youth to folks working on these issues in real-time instead of a classroom and lecture format to give them firsthand experience on what it is like to tackle the environmental problems in the field and empower them to do the same in their communities.
Developing Future Environmental Leaders
MYARC cultivates a diverse group of young leaders who will champion environmental justice through structured learning and direct engagement:
Advocacy Modules: Includes Environmental Justice 101 and building advocacy skills specific to the SGV.
Air Modules: Explore the sources and impacts of air pollution and discuss solutions by comparing urban air quality to nature.
Water Modules: Focus on water capture, watersheds, stormwater management, pollution, and conservation.
- Land Modules: Learn about native plants, equitable access to green spaces, and how the built environment influences public health
Climate Change Module: Discuss the impacts of climate change and strategies for a sustainable future.
Be a Part of the Climate Solution!
Our 2026 MYARC program begins June 2026! If you or anyone you know is interested in joining our 7-week MYARC program and will be between the ages of 14-18, please email MYARC’s Program Coordinator, Caitlin, at caitlin@apifm.org for more info as well as registration details.
