This September marks a decade since the release of California’s “Blueprint for Environmental Literacy”—a vision that has grown into a statewide movement. For ten years, the CAELI network, with backbone support from Ten Strands, has worked to keep that vision alive and meaningful, embedding environmental literacy into classrooms, districts, and communities across California.
In this article, we celebrate not only the progress made but also the voices of those who helped shape this journey—and those who continue to carry its impact forward. From early Blueprint contributors who have taken pieces of CAELI into new roles and partners who live this work every day, their stories remind us that environmental literacy is both a shared responsibility and a lasting legacy.
This past year stands as a powerful example of that vision in action and how nearly a decade of shared leadership, bold ideas, and tireless collaboration continues to make a difference. We’re proud to share the impact of this year’s work and the foundation it’s built upon.
A Decade in the Making
The movement began with the Environmental Literacy Task Force, a forty-seven-member group cochaired by Craig Strang (then of the Lawrence Hall of Science) and Elizabeth Babcock (then of the California Academy of Sciences). Together, they created a vision of environmental literacy as a right for every student—a vital part of preparing young people for civic life, college, careers, and environmental stewardship.
That vision became reality in September 2015, when then–Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson stood at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco, joined by educators, environmental advocates, and policymakers, to unveil “A Blueprint for Environmental Literacy: Educating Every California Student In, About, and For the Environment.”
From there, momentum grew. In 2016, Ten Strands and the Blueprint’s cochairs formed the Environmental Literacy Steering Committee (ELSC), bringing together cross-sector leaders in curriculum, policy, communications, and funding to begin turning vision into action. By 2019, the ELSC had evolved into the California Environmental Literacy Initiative (CAELI), a formal collective action network led by Ten Strands and a growing number of collaborators across the state.
A significant milestone came in 2020, when CAELI adopted a shared leadership governance model, opening space for diverse voices and broader community representation. This shift, articulated in the CAELI Theory of Action, emphasized equity, inclusion, and distributed leadership—values that continue to guide CAELI’s work today.
Since 2021, CAELI’s collective action model has supported a wide range of initiatives—from Green Ribbon Schools and county-level collaborations to professional learning and the groundbreaking “Peaks and Valleys” study—advancing the integration of environmental literacy across California’s vast and diverse education system.
Looking to 2025 and beyond, CAELI is poised to build on this momentum, strengthening partnerships, growing advocacy efforts, and securing the investment needed to ensure every student in California has the opportunity for the environment.
Voices from the Field
The true measure of the Blueprint’s success is reflected in the people who have shaped it, carried it forward, and been impacted by it. From state superintendents to classroom teachers, from nonprofit leaders to county office champions, each has added to a collective vision that grows stronger year after year.
Craig Strang, Blueprint Co-Chair and Former CAELI Co-Chair
“The Blueprint for Environmental Literacy, the Environmental Literacy Task Force that developed it, the Environmental Literacy Steering Committee that ensured it wouldn’t sit on a shelf, and CAELI, which continues its ever-expanding implementation, have truly transformed environmental education in California. Two of the six Guiding Principles in the Blueprint focus directly on equity and justice. This has shifted the orientation of both schools and program providers to prioritize the needs of communities of color and other vulnerable students. Eleven years ago, California had pockets of expertise, each delivering and advocating for their own particular environmental education solution. Today there is a vibrant community where all of us work together, recognizing the necessity of ‘all of the above’ to achieve the larger goal of environmental literacy for every child in the state.”
Estrella Risinger, Executive Director, Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education, and CAELI Co-Chair
“With the current challenges we are facing—from the climate crisis to young people’s mental health—never has environmental literacy been more critical. CAELI provides a space where educational leaders and champions can come together with a common purpose and take collective action for a more just and sustainable future.”
Glen Price, Former Chief Deputy Superintendent, California Department of Education; Founder, Glen Price Group; Ten Strands Board Member
“Feeling so much gratitude to everyone who has endeavored so successfully to make the Blueprint for Environmental Literacy a reality. Clearly, we have a ways to go before we fully realize its full aspirational scope, but the success of this past decade provides real hope for the future. Perhaps it is time to reimagine the Blueprint for the next ten years and beyond and double down on our efforts to irrevocably center it within public education for California’s current and future children.”
Juanita Chan-Roden, Director, Science and Career Programs, Rialto Unified School District, Former CAELI Co-Chair
“Over the past ten years, we have seen environmental challenges affecting California schools, making the Blueprint for Environmental Literacy more relevant than ever. Our students and families deserve the empowerment that comes from truly understanding these challenges so they can make informed choices. The future of environmental literacy in California is exciting because CAELI has shown, with data and evidence, that focused and strategic action positively impacts K-12 outcomes for all students.”
Leslie Tamminen, Director, Seventh Generation Advisors
“With appreciation for the Ten Strands team and CAELI for leading a decade of environmental literacy change in California! CAELI continues to be a shining beacon of hope in the challenging landscape of climate change.”
Shelley Alden Brooks, Ph.D., California History–Social Science Project, UC Davis
“The beauty of CAELI is that it provides a place for every type of educator to connect to the meaningful work of promoting environmental literacy and justice in our schools and communities. Administrators working toward greener facilities, teachers across every discipline, professional learning providers, and everyone else connected to California’s schools can come to CAELI to find community, inspiration, practical advice, and a pathway toward collective action.”
| 🔊See more voices from the field: We compiled reflections, testimonials, and insights from CAELI partners across California. These stories illustrate the dedication, creativity, and leadership that have carried the Blueprint forward for the past decade. |
Together, these reflections show the enduring impact of the Blueprint and CAELI, illustrating how leadership, collaboration, and a shared vision continue to strengthen environmental literacy across California. They represent the countless contributions that have lived and evolved through the leadership, creativity, and commitment of people across California.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate ten years, we also look ahead. CAELI remains committed to advancing environmental literacy in ways that are equitable, inclusive, and deeply connected to the lived experiences of California’s students. Together with our partners, peers, and champions, we will continue building a future where every student can learn about the environment.
The next decade will focus on deepening equity, strengthening systemic adoption, and ensuring that environmental literacy resonates with every student’s lived experience. Achieving this vision requires sustained investment. The progress of the past ten years was made possible through the dedication of leaders, educators, and funders who believed in systems change. To carry this work forward, we must expand that circle of support so California’s students and communities can benefit from another decade of progress.
Call to Action
We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us:
- Read about CAELI’s 2024–25 highlights.
- Join us in advocating for continued investment in environmental literacy.
Here’s to the next decade of collaboration, innovation, and impact.
