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Bring the Seal to Your State or School
The Seal of Climate Literacy is a high school diploma endorsement established through state education policy or legislation. If your state has not yet adopted the Seal, educators, advocates, and policymakers can help move the idea forward.
Why the Seal is Established at the State Level
Because the Seal is awarded as a high school diploma endorsement, it must be created through state legislation or education policy. Once a state adopts the Seal, schools and districts can offer it to students who meet the program requirements.
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01
State Adoption
Education policy or legislation is introduced, passed, and codified at the individual state level.
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02
District & School Implementation
LEPs and districts can opt-in, map courses, and begin planning student projects.
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03
Student Participation
Students commit to achieving the Seal in their local high school.
States That Have Adopted the Seal
More states are exploring how to adopt the Seal as interest grows nationwide.
California
California is building momentum toward statewide adoption through collaboration between leading climate education organizations and policymakers.
- Led by UndauntedK12 and Ten Strands
- Legislation in progress in the 2026 session, introduced through Senate Bill 1048
- Integrates with existing curriculum frameworks
Colorado
Colorado became the first state to adopt the Seal of Climate Literacy through legislation in 2024, championed by Lyra and supported by educators, students, and policymakers statewide.
26+ Local Education Providers are conferring the Seal in 2026, with 1200+ students projected to earn the Seal in the Spring of 2026.
Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi is advancing the Seal through state legislation supported by youth leaders and environmental policymakers.
- Introduced as HB1925 in January 2026
- Named a top priority of the Environmental Caucus
- Backed by the Hawaiʻi State Youth Commission
- Key champions include Hawai’i State Youth Commission, Climate Future Forum, and Mia Nishiguchi—the student State Board of Education Representative
Illinois
- Seal of Biliteracy established through legislation in 2013
- Seven Generations Ahead + youth coalition are exploring
Massachusetts
- Seal of Biliteracy established through legislation in 2016
- Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education is exploring
Maryland
- Seal of Biliteracy established through legislation in 2016
- EarthDay.org is exploring
Maine
Maine introduced the Seal through state education regulation, creating a pathway for districts to recognize student climate leadership.
- Enacted through the Maine Department of Education in March of 2026
- Implementation supported by Maine Environmental Education Association
Minnesota
Minnesota is advancing climate literacy through statewide collaboration between educators, state leaders, and community partners. Legislation was introduced in 2026.
- Champions: Minnesota Alliance With Youth and Minnesota Youth Council
New Jersey
New Jersey is building statewide support for the Seal through partnerships among educators, students, and environmental education leaders.
- Championed by the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education
- Growing coalition of educators, policymakers, and students
- Legislation anticipated in 2026–2027
Nevada
- Seal of Biliteracy established through legislation in 2015
- Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada is exploring
Oregon
- Seal of Biliteracy established through the State Department of Education in 2016
- Oregon Educators for Climate Education is exploring
Virginia
- Seal of Biliteracy established through legislation in 2015; six other Seals established through the State Board of Education
- EarthDay.org is exploring
Wisconsin
- Seal of Biliteracy established through the Department of Public Instruction in 2015
- Department of Public Instruction is exploring
State Program Statuses
- california: In Progress — View CA Website
- colorado: Adopted — View CO Website
- hawaii: In Progress — View HI Website
- illinois: High Potential
- massachusetts: High Potential
- maryland: High Potential
- maine: Adopted — View ME Website
- minnesota: In Progress — View MN Website
- new jersey: In Progress
- nevada: High Potential
- oregon: High Potential
- virginia: High Potential
- wisconsin: High Potential
How You Can Help Bring the Seal to Your State
Currently, the Seal is only available in states that have adopted or enacted policy establishing it. If you’re interested in bringing it to your state, here are a few ideas:
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Contact Your Legislators
Ask them to sponsor legislation creating the Seal. You might also look up members of your state’s Senate and House Education Committees and reach out to the committee chairs to request their support.
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Contact Your State Board of Education
In some states, high school diploma endorsements are created through the state department of education, and state board members can encourage adoption.
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Connect With a Climate, Environmental, or Education Advocacy Organization in Your State.
Ask them to consider making the Seal part of their legislative agenda.
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Encourage These Individuals and Organizations to Reach Out to a Member of the Seal Coalition.
We have tools and resources available to support them.
Interested in Exploring the Seal for Your State?
Our team provides informational briefings for policymakers, education leaders, and advocacy organizations interested in learning how the Seal can be adopted.
FAQ
Can a school implement the Seal independently?
No. The Seal must first be adopted through state policy before schools can award it as a diploma endorsement.
Who typically leads adoption efforts?
State legislators, education leaders, and advocacy organizations often work together to establish the Seal.
What support does the National Organization provide?
We provide policy guidance, examples from other states, and implementation resources for state agencies, policymakers, and education leaders.