Mycelium Youth Network works with youth to build confidence and knowledge of climate science through tangible projects that make a difference in their own lives, such as tree planting and fruit tree grafting, water catchment and purification, creating Do-It-Yourself (DIY) air purifiers, and so on. This work sets the stage for future organizing and community engagement through building up the self-confidence and leadership skills of our historically disadvantaged youth. Through our programming, youth utilize Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) to identify a need in their community, research and find their own solutions to environmental challenges, then present findings in community workshops to families, community allies and government representatives.

Our vision is based on two beliefs:
Ancestral Traditions and Relationships: We believe the fundamental incorporation of ancestral practice into our everyday life is a form of skill-building and identity affirmation to position youth—particularly those of color—to see themselves as leaders of their communities. A 2018 study in the Environmental Science and Policy Journal found that integration of western science and site-specific indigenous knowledge is the surest and most comprehensive way to combat climate change. For example, weaving oral traditions with land management allows for a richer and more comprehensive experience for the learner. Additionally, creating pedagogy that employs ancestral wisdom and practices allows for culturally relevant curriculum that engages and draws in youth, especially youth of color, and empowers them to feel pride and ownership over solutions.
Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM) curriculum: Research has proven time and again that youth learn best when they are able to directly engage in solutions. Hands-on STEAM projects enable youth to merge high academic concepts with practical applications to real-world solutions. This pushes young people to see themselves as changemakers who can have a genuine impact on their environment.