# Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA

Selective national council of young service leaders ages 14-21 run by the Jane Goodall Institute. Members expand their own community service projects, train in public speaking and service learning, and represent Roots & Shoots nationally.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | the Jane Goodall Institute |
| Category | volunteer |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://rootsandshoots.org/about-us/rsyc/ |

## About this program

# Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA

Roots & Shoots is the Jane Goodall Institute's youth service program, and the Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA (RSYC) is its selective national leadership cohort. Council members are drawn from across the United States, serve a defined term, and spend it deepening their own community projects while acting as ambassadors for the wider Roots & Shoots network. Recent members' projects have ranged from food drives and natural hair workshops to water pollution testing and coral reef restoration.

## What You'll Do

- Expand the community service project you are already leading, with support and structure from Roots & Shoots staff
- Complete trainings in public speaking, community mapping, and service learning
- Mentor other Roots & Shoots members and collaborate with council peers nationwide
- Represent Roots & Shoots as an ambassador at national and international events and conferences, including the annual Youth Council Summit

## Who Should Apply

Young people ages 14-21 who are current US residents and who are already implementing a project to solve a problem in their community - either as part of a local Roots & Shoots group or through another service organization. Applicants should be able to describe what they have built so far, not just what they intend to do.

## Outcomes

Council members finish with formal leadership training, a national platform for their service project, mentoring relationships across the Roots & Shoots network, and connections the Institute describes as friendships and networks that last a lifetime. Membership in Roots & Shoots itself is free, and the Institute also publishes project funding opportunities for members.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA cost?

Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA?

Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA online or in person?

Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA?

Apply directly through the Jane Goodall Institute's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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