~ Mesa, Arizona - The Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund (MYCAF) program has been recognized for its outstanding efforts in environmental education and innovation. On March 21, the program received the prestigious Crescordia Award at Arizona Forward's Environmental Excellence Awards.

The award, presented in the Curriculum-Based and Youth Environmental Education category, is the highest honor given at the event. Mayor Mark Freeman proudly accepted the award on behalf of the City of Mesa.

"We are honored to receive this recognition from Arizona Forward," said Mayor Freeman. "The MYCAF program showcases our city's dedication to finding innovative solutions for climate challenges and promoting community collaboration. This award celebrates the hard work and passion of our young leaders who are shaping a more sustainable and environmentally responsible Mesa for future generations."

MYCAF engages residents between the ages of 15 to 24 in designing and implementing solutions to local climate issues through microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The City of Mesa has been a recipient of this grant program twice, with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies.

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This award comes after the completion of MYCAF's second funding cycle. In 2025, Mesa awarded 18 microgrants through nine community partners, resulting in over 1,100 community members being engaged in youth-led projects.

These projects addressed various environmental priorities such as reducing fast fashion through clothing swap events, promoting water conservation efforts, and exploring agrivoltaics. Together, these initiatives are projected to prevent 73 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions while also fostering long-term partnerships and community impact.

Aside from its positive environmental outcomes, MYCAF also helps youth leaders develop valuable workforce skills such as grant writing, budgeting, project management, and community engagement. By combining youth leadership with measurable climate action goals, the program not only cultivates future environmental stewards but also delivers tangible benefits for the Mesa community.

To learn more about MYCAF and view the full list of projects, visit mesaaz.gov/MYCAF. The City of Mesa is proud to continue its commitment to innovation, conservation, and community collaboration through this program.

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