How Do You Attain the Seal of Climate Literacy?
Colorado’s Seal of Climate Literacy is awarded to students who demonstrate an understanding of climate literacy and a commitment to addressing its impacts in their communities. To attain this diploma endorsement, students must complete three elements including a combination of academic courses and an experiential learning project.
-
Students must fulfill the essential academic criteria set by their school district or local education provider (LEP). These requirements typically include completing a specified number of credits across various core subjects.
-
(1) any high school science course such as earth science, biology, or environmental studies, and
(2) a second course that includes climate literacy standards. This course could be humanities, concurrent enrollment, CTE, or another science class.
These courses do not have to be in addition to high school requirements.
-
Students must also complete a project that demonstrates their understanding of climate change. This project can range from an agricultural initiative to advocacy for public policy, and anything in between.
LEPs can work with students to determine what will qualify.
Hands-on Learning
Experiential learning projects can vary widely and eligibility is left up to each LEP. Below are some examples of what that may look like for students.
An apprenticeship installing solar panels.
A soil management experiment on a student’s family farm An internship measuring snowpack levels.
Student leadership starting a school club or initiative around reducing school energy consumption.
A short story, digital film or social campaign around climate literacy principles.
Who Confers the Seal?
Local education providers (LEPs), which could include a school district, board of cooperative services (BOCES), a charter school, or the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, are responsible for conferring the Seal.
The LEP may collaborate with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, industry leaders, and institutions of higher education to support students' experiential learning.
Students as Leaders
The Seal was developed as a way to recognize students who gain an understanding of how climate change impacts their communities and beyond. It helps build a sense of agency, connecting students’ passions and interests about climate change with learning opportunities that can help prepare them for college and careers.
Resources
Sign up below for access to our resource library, newsletter, and stay informed about upcoming events.
Need assistance getting started? Dive into a variety of resources tailored for educators, and students alike.