The Seal of Climate Literacy

Preparing Colorado Students to Lead in a Changing Climate

A statewide high school diploma endorsement recognizing climate-ready graduates across Colorado’s schools and communities.

What is the Seal of Climate Literacy?

The Seal of Climate Literacy is a high school diploma and transcript endorsement that recognizes Colorado students who demonstrate strong climate knowledge and real-world leadership. Students earn the Seal through interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on projects that connect learning to their local communities.

  • A Recognized Credential icon

    A Recognized Credential

    A formal distinction awarded on a student’s diploma and transcript.

  • Climate Knowledge icon

    Climate Knowledge

    Students demonstrate understanding of climate science, impacts, and solutions.

  • Future-Ready Skills icon

    Future-Ready Skills

    Prepares students for college, careers, and civic leadership in a changing world.

  • Leadership & Action icon

    Leadership & Action

    Students apply their learning through projects and community engagement.

Colorado Status:
Adopted

The state has officially enacted the Seal through state-level policy, and Local Education Agencies are able to confer it to students.

Colorado Impact

Why the Seal Matters in Colorado

Colorado students are growing up on the front lines of climate change – from wildfires and drought to water scarcity and extreme weather. At the same time, Colorado’s economy is rapidly evolving, with strong growth in clean energy, construction, outdoor recreation, agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The Seal of Climate Literacy helps align education with these realities. It prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate in Colorado’s changing workforce while empowering them to contribute solutions rooted in their own communities.

Who Benefits

A Win for Students, Schools, and Colorado’s Future

  • 426+
    Students earned the Seal in 2025
  • 1200+
    Students projected to earn the Seal in 2026
  • 26+
    Local Education Providers are conferring the Seal in 2026
  • 54%
    Of 2026 Local Education Providers are rural or small rural

This is a carousel featuring selected testimonials. Navigate using the buttons.

  • Aisha O’Neil headshot

    Earning the Seal was recognition that my community valued my work. It showed me that my teachers and school district celebrated my contribution to sustainability. The work I used to earn the Seal has shaped my professional aspirations. I now hope to go into environmental justice law because I have, through my work and education, witnessed the capacity for law to create a brighter future.

    Aisha O’Neil
    Aisha O’Neil, Durango High School 2024
  • Anna headshot

    Earning the Seal of Climate Literacy showed me I could understand real-world problems—and be part of real solutions.

    Anna
    Student
  • Isadora headshot

    Pursuing the Seal of Climate Literacy means that you are part of something bigger than yourself and you’re advocating for things that are important to you. And personally for me, that’s the climate and the environment.

    Isadora
    Senior in Denver Public Schools, 2025
  • Rachel Balkcom headshot

    Climate literacy isn’t a separate track—it already runs through everything we do. The Seal gave us a framework to name and organize what was already present in our teaching and student projects, and helped us build clear pathways for students to show their learning in visible, applied ways. The work wasn’t abstract—it was physical, collaborative, and deeply connected to students’ academic and ethical growth.

    Rachel Balkcom
    Director of Partnerships and Student Futures, The STEAD School, 2025
Colorado Partners

Local Education Providers Conferring the Seal

  • Summit School District logo
  • Lake County School District logo
  • Weld County School District logo
  • Denver Public Schools logo
  • Mesa County Valley School District logo
  • Durango School District logo
  • Upper Rio Grande School District logo
  • Silverton Public Schools logo
  • Adams County School District logo
  • The Stead School logo
  • Peak to Peak Charter School logo
  • South Routte School District logo
  • Estes park School District logo
  • Boulder Valley School District logo
  • Montrose Country School District logo
  • DSST Public Schools logo
  • Greeley-Evans School District 6 logo
  • Streamboat Springs School District logo
  • Telluride School District logo
  • Moffat School District logo
  • Roaring Forks Schools logo
  • Thompson School District logo
  • Jeffco Public Schools logo
  • Hayden School District logo
  • Eagle Ridge Academy logo