The YCCBC Vernon team at the Sunshine Festival (submitted photo)

By Liam Verster

Climate Action Work, Education

Summer employment program helping local youth combat climate change

Jul 2, 2025 | 1:13 PM

The expansion of a summer employment program will allow Vernon youth to combat climate change while earning some income.

Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC), which offers paid work and training opportunities for youth to develop skills and contribute to a sustainable future, has expanded to Vernon for this summer.

The YCCBC Vernon faction of the program will see local youth be able to access a range of climate action initiatives focused on education, engagement and resilience. These include organizing guided e-bike safety rides to promote alternate modes of transportation; supporting over 100 student-led climate projects through the Climate Action Ripple Effect program; and piloting a new bike valet service in partnership with the City of Vernon.

“Working with YCCBC [Vernon] on the Climate Action Ripple Effect (CARE) Expo was a truly inspiring experience that gives me great hope for the future of youth climate action,” Jo De Vries with the Fresh Outlook Foundation, said in a release.

“They were organized, collaborative, and committed to excellence in all that was asked of them. Maybe most importantly, they modelled to younger students the commitment, confidence, and maturity needed to pursue a future of doing good while doing well.”

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YCCBC Vernon will also run climate action public awareness campaigns over the summer through means such as community outreach; producing a video on sustainable transportation; and participating in FireSmart and first aid training.