We are thrilled to share that Jessica Sofian and Alexis Valdez successfully hosted the first ECCLPs UC-CSU Statewide Meeting on "The Basics of Climate Change." Students learned about the primary causes and effects of a warming climate to identify how their role in the internship program will shape the climate movement. The meeting allowed 75 interns to learn about their carbon footprint, discuss how individual actions contribute to climate change, and explore strategies for mitigating their environmental impact. This event marked the beginning of an exciting series of monthly statewide meetings aimed at fostering collaboration and professional growth among our interns. We are excited to see how these sessions empower our interns to advance climate education and research!

Our UC-CSU internship program hosted its first Fireside Chat featuring Jerry Knaack from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and we are excited to share its success ! Jerry, a Senior Education Specialist , captivated an audience of 47 student interns as he shared insights into his role, working with students and teachers to foster a passion for ocean education . This inspiring session provided a behind-the-scenes look at how education specialists collaborate with schools and communities to connect future generations with marine conservation. A huge thank you to Jerry for motivating our interns to dive deeper into environmental education!

ECCLPs UC-CSU interns recently engaged with Karen Cowe , CEO of Ten Strands, in a dynamic Fireside Chat on " Policy as a Catalyst: Advancing Climate Change Education and Action Across the State.” Karen shared insights on the organization’s transformative ten-year journey in advancing environmental literacy and climate change education across California’s K–12 schools. With a background in education and leadership spanning over 30 years, Karen has been instrumental in forging impactful partnerships and driving initiatives to make climate literacy accessible statewide. Her presentation highlighted Ten Strands’ advocacy efforts, showcasing achievements made possible through strong coalitions and community support, and underlined the organization's role in shaping sustainable education for future generations. A big thank you to Karen Cowe for inspiring our interns to think expansively about climate change education and the power of advocacy.

We're thrilled to invite you to our upcoming webinar, " Introducing the ECCLPs Education Hub: Climate Action Through Teaching & Learning!" Mark your calendar for December 9, 2024, from 4:30PM to 5:30PM PST and join us for an engaging session featuring a panel of experts who are transforming climate and environmental education.

The ECCLPs Education Hub is a brand-new online platform designed to support educators, students, and advocates in building climate-conscious and equitable communities. With resources ranging from curated lesson plans and research articles to interactive multimedia, the Hub empowers users to integrate environmental justice and literacy into their educational spaces. Dive into this dynamic resource to enrich your curriculum, inspire students, and contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive future! Explore the ECCLPs Education Hub Here!

We can approach climate change education differently, from a paradigm that is more transformative. One that will help us shift the worldviews, mindsets, and values that shape the way we think, do, and be. One that will shape our relationships with our inner selves, each other, and with the planet!

This month we are highlighting the first paradigm shift for climate teaching and learning, from engaging students as passive learners to empowering students as active partners and future stewards in driving climate solutions!

Stay tuned to dive deeper into each shift and how we can inspire the next generation of climate leaders! Read more about ECCLPs' Six Paradigm Shifts for Climate Teaching and Learning on our website .

ECCLPs invites California-based educators, community organizations, and activists to contribute to Climate Connections: Community Efforts in PK-12 Education , our upcoming zine. ECCLPs' community-based Partner committee is working on t his publication to spotlight innovative community-driven approaches to climate and environmental education in PK-12 settings. Through articles, stories, and insights, we aim to celebrate the impactful work of community partners who inspire students and communities toward meaningful environmental action. The submission deadline is December 2, 2024 . Join us in amplifying the voices and visions shaping our sustainable future by sharing your story here!

ECCLPs is teaming up with CSU Bakersfield researchers to support this year’s National Geographic Slingshot Challenge to propel the future by centering on youth innovation! In partnership with National Geographic and Dr. Brittney Beck, ECCLPs' CSU Bakersfield Faculty Representative, we aim to empower youth to explore the power ofstorytelling and technology to communicate impactful solutions and inspire others to engage in climate education and advocacy. Register for the Slingshot Challenge here .

We are excited to announce that Kelley L ê , ECCLPs' Executive Director, and Tamara Wallace , ECCLPs Executive Committee member, will be featured keynote panelists at the upcoming Green California Schools & Higher Education Summit! This event will explore key sustainability initiatives for schools and universities, and they will discuss critical issues around climate literacy and environmental education. Sign up to attend the event here!

Let’s harness our collective expertise, amplify our impact, and support educators together! We’re excited to offer PK-12 teachers access to incredible micro-courses offered by statewide and global partners through our new professional learning platform. This is a fantastic opportunity toelevate your organization’s visibility by showcasing your course and using our network to increase your reach. Submit your micro-learning experiences to be spotlighted to further connect today! Submit interest here.

We are excited to feature Dr. Brittney Beck, an assistant professor of teacher education at California State University, Bakersfield, and Faculty Fellow at the Kegley Institute of Ethics. Dr. Beck’s case study explores innovative approaches to citizen science in education, emphasizing the importance of equity and democratic practices in the classroom. Through her work, she equips educators with the skills to create inclusive learning environments and develop curricula that support social-emotional learning and ethical reasoning. Dr. Beck is currently engaging with PK-12 teachers and students on the National Geographic Slingshot Challenge. Get involved and learn more by clicking here . Dr. Beck has developed resources ranging from short 10-minute lessons to year-long projects, designed to help educators gradually build confidence in integrating citizen science into their classrooms. Stay tuned for this course, which will be offered in ECCLPs Professional Learning Platform soon! Explore Dr. Beck's full story in the ECCLPs Case Study Hub by clicking here!

Chico State Professor Mark Stemen is making waves in climate education and advocacy, not only by inspiring students but also by launching a groundbreaking multi-campus initiative across the California State University system, called the Faculty Learning Community. Mark has been a driving force in climate education, and we’re proud to collaborate with him in recruiting participants for this multi-campus initiative across the CSU system. Through the Faculty Learning Community, educators shared experiences, strategies, and resources, enabling meaningful engagement with climate issues across diverse fields. Learn more and get involved: A Call to Climate Action .

On October 25th, the Climate Center at West LA College hosted the Climate Innovation Professional Conference, as part of the second annual Climate Palooza. ECCLPs' Kelley L ê , had the privilege ofparticipating in the event as a panelist. Kelley shared her expertise on integrating environmental literacy and leadership in community initiatives, emphasizing the importance of education in fostering effective climate action. We would like to give a shoutout to Dr. Jo Tavares , one of our ECCLPs Steering Committee members, for sharing and including ECCLPs in this event!

Explore the rapidly growing world of green jobs with the Green Jobs Toolkit, led by environmental advocate Kristy Drutman . This month's feature covers key skills for entering the green workforce, including sustainability principles, environmental regulations, and essential technical skills. Whether you're just starting or looking to pivot your career, this is a great resource to help you get on the path to a future in the Green Space. Click here to explore the Green Careers Toolkit!

A big thank you to Fawn Canady , an ECCLPs PK-12 Teaching & Learning Committee member, for sharing this unique opportunity to contribute to critical climate change education research. Fawn and her colleagues, Catherine Lammert from Texas Tech University and Rich Novack, a Connecticut educator and Writing Project leader, invite Reading and Language Arts (RLA) teachers to take a survey on how they are incorporating climate change topics into their classrooms. Help shape the future of climate literacy in RLA education by participating and sharing this survey widely across K-12 and higher education networks. Learn more and access the survey here .

We’re excited to highlight PBS’s program, Hope in the Water , which showcases the innovative work of fishers, aquafarmers, and scientists striving to sustainably harvest aquatic species while preserving our oceans. This program, and its accompanying learning materials, introduce students to successful efforts in building sustainable food systems amid the challenges of climate change and human impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Together, they inspire hope for the future of our planet’s oceans and food resources.

ECCLPs' Executive Director, Kelley L ê , attended the premiere of Hope in the Water where she also connected with key stakeholders and The Statewide Teacher Work Group member, Merek Chang . Explore PBS' Learning Media Toolkit Here!

We’re excited to share the CSU Energy & Sustainability initiative, which focuses on advancing sustainable practices across all 23 California State University campuses. ECCLPs' Executive Committee member, Tamara Wallace , is helping to lead t his initiative to drive the development of energy-efficient infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and sustainability programs, ensuring that the CSU system leads in environmental stewardship. Learn more about their impactful work here.

*Image Credit: CSU Energy and Sustainability Initiative Report

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