The Seal of Climate Literacy reaches new states and more schools
Climate literacy is an essential outcome of K–12 education – equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and real-world learning experiences they need to thrive in a rapidly changing climate. States are starting to formally recognize graduates who are prepared to apply that learning in their careers and communities through the Seal of Climate Literacy.
What is the Seal of Climate Literacy?
The Seal of Climate Literacy is a high school graduation endorsement that recognizes students who graduate with the knowledge and skills to understand - and act on - the social, economic, and environmental impacts of climate change.
How Does it Work?
Students complete a combination of academic courses that include climate literacy standards and an experiential learning project. States can adapt these requirements to fit their local context.
State Progress
The Seal is expanding to new school districts in Colorado, and new states across the country as students speak up about why climate literacy matters to them, and education leaders recognize its critical role in preparing young people for their futures.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) launched the Maine Seal of Climate Literacy as a policy initiative of the Department. Fourteen schools are participating in a pilot program this spring. The program will launch statewide in September for the 2026-27 school year and will have an additional focus on integrating traditional ecological knowledge.
Senate Bill 1048 (Sponsor: Senator Josh Becker), the landmark legislation to establish a California Seal of Climate Literacy, passed the Senate Education Committee with unanimous, bipartisan support and cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee. It is headed for a vote on the Senate floor in May.
Minnesota Youth Council Members unanimously endorse the Seal in Minnesota
On March 4, the Climate Literacy Seal Establishment Act (HF3557), authored by State Representative Larry Kraft, was introduced and heard in committee. This marked an important step forward. Members of the Minnesota Youth Council unanimously endorsed the Seal and showed up in strong numbers at the hearing to testify. Their leadership is helping raise awareness among lawmakers about why the Seal matters for Minnesota students, laying the groundwork for future efforts to pass this legislation.
Representatives from the Hawaiʻi State Youth Commission testified in strong support of a bill (authored by Representative Amy Perruso) to establish a state Seal of Climate Literacy during a House Finance Committee hearing. During the hearing, Commission member Mele Kanealiʻi emphasized that “climate literacy is an investment in the next generation—one that will help Hawaiʻi meet its ambitious renewable energy and emissions reduction goals while strengthening community resilience”.
Learn more and explore ways to bring the Seal to your state or school district
Visit the Seal of Climate Literacy website for resources including videos, impact stories, and toolkits to get started in your state or school
Explore the latest updates from Colorado, Maine, California, Minnesota, and Hawaii
If your state isn’t listed on the website yet, reach out to request a briefing
Led by a National Coalition of Partners
First championed by Lyra in Colorado in 2024, UndauntedK12 and Lyra are working with a national community of partners and expert leaders to advance the Seal as a nationwide policy framework and support state adoption and implementation.
