Undaunted California
5,837,690 students
9,997 schools
$10+ billion spent annually on buildings and infrastructure
California has ambitious, statewide climate goals. But without a clear vision, leadership, and support, districts risk making scattered, poor investments with current and future resources for school infrastructure.
We're developing and supporting leaders to drive climate action and policy that advances climate-resilient school infrastructure, supporting district leaders in adapting and preparing for extreme weather, and supporting youth leaders across the state.
Extreme weather is disrupting learning for California students.
So far, the 2025-26 school year has seen at least…
Our Work in California
Latest Updates
We presented at CASH’s School Energy 101 Webshop
UndauntedK12 gave an update on the federal clean energy tax credits to the Coalition for Adequate School Housing (C.A.S.H.)’s August 21st School Energy 101 Webshop.
New dashboard: 2025-26 extreme weather school closures
For the 2025-26 school year, we’ll be tracking school closures and disruptions from extreme weather events live on our website.
New fact sheet: 2024-25 extreme weather and school closures
We’ve been crunching the numbers, carefully analyzing the data from the 2024-25 school year to understand how extreme weather events impact schools and students. The findings are sobering.
CYCP launches its third cohort of youth climate policy fellows
We’re excited to welcome 63 high school students from across California into the third cohort of the California Youth Climate Policy (CYCP) Fellowship. Over the next six months, these young leaders will dive into climate policy, advocacy, and coalition building through hands-on workshops and personalized mentorship.
New Report: Impacts of the Los Angeles Wildfires on Students and Lessons for Schools Nationwide
A new report from Undaunted and EdTrust examines the impact of the January 2025 school closures in Los Angeles on students and offers actionable recommendations for state officials, district leaders, and community members to support student health, safety, and wellbeing. Available in English and Spanish.
Opinion: From Los Angeles's Climate Crisis, A Blueprint for California's Schools
"A previous generation of state leaders made sure schools could keep our children safe in an earthquake — it’s time to do the same for the threats posed by extreme heat and weather. No school district should be investing state or local dollars in their facilities without considering current and long-term local climate impacts."
Comment to Office of Public School Construction on Prop 2 Implementation: Guidance on Climate Resilience
Undaunted and Ten Strands commented on the Office of Public School Construction’s proposed implementation regulations for Prop 2 state school infrastructure funding — asking agency leaders to provide guidance and resources to support resilience to extreme weather.
California Youth Climate Policy Leadership Program Celebrates Its Second Cohort
UndauntedK12 proudly celebrates the successful completion of the second cohort of the California Youth Climate Policy Leadership Program (CYCP), a joint program in partnership with Ten Strands and the Sierra Club.
Climate Adaptation and Resilience at California’s K–12 Schools: Actions and Recommendations for State and District Leadership
Our new policy brief, Climate Adaptation and Resilience at California’s K–12 Schools: Actions and Recommendations for State and District Leadership, outlines the urgent need for state and local leaders to act quickly to protect schools from climate risks.
New toolkit: resources and lessons learned from districts leading on climate resilience
UndauntedK12, Ten Strands, and CCEE collaborated on a resource toolkit to help California school leaders build climate resilience by learning from neighboring districts leading the way in extreme heat planning, stormwater management, and grid resilience.
Standing with Communities in Southern California Battling the LA Wildfires
We’ve curated resources for education leaders making decisions amidst the unprecedented uncertainty, volatility, and destruction of the LA wildfires.
We’re asking the Governor and the Legislature to fund climate resilient schools.
We remain steadfast in our resolve to drive action that dramatically reduces greenhouse gas emissions and to protect our communities, schools, and children from the increasing threats from extreme weather.
California Students Push for Solar Schools and SB 1374
On September 5th, hundreds of students across California allied in support of SB 1374 and solar at schools.
We’re on the Governor’s Desk!
Last February, the California Legislature introduced three new bills aimed at advancing healthy, sustainable, and climate-resilient schools. We are thrilled to announce that these three bills are now on Governor Newsom’s desk, awaiting his signature.
California Youth Climate Policy Fellowship Kicks Off 2nd Annual Cohort
This August, we launched the second annual cohort of the California Youth Climate Policy (CYCP) Fellowship in partnership with Ten Strands and the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter.
Spotlight on: Santa Barbara USD’s Microgrid
As part of our partnership with CCEE and Ten Strands, we’re shining a spotlight on Santa Barbara Unified School District’s Microgram, which will save $17 million over 28 years while protecting critical school infrastructure like freezers, internet, and emergency shelters from power outages.
UndauntedK12 supports Proposition 2, California’s School Infrastructure Bond
UndauntedK12 and Ten Strands support Proposition 2, California’s first state-wide school bond to acknowledge the impact of climate change and the need to align school spending with our mitigation and adaptation goals.
SB 1182 and SB 1374 advance through the Senate and head to the Assembly
Our bills to protect solar at schools and make California the first state in the country with a plan for climate-resilient schools both passed through the Senate and are now with committees in the Assembly.
Applications are open for our Youth Climate Policy Program
Share the application link with young people in your network, or email us with nominations. There are also opportunities to serve as an adult mentor, if you’re interested.
A new partnership with the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence
We have a new partnership with the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) and Ten Strands to support district and county leaders with resources and tools for climate resilience.