CAELI District Innovation Hub Coordinates Networking and Learning at the California Green Schools Summit

The recent convergence of multiple societal crises has highlighted stark inequities in our institutions. Social impact and equity are no longer on the sidelines of public discourse. This October, the CAELI District Innovation Hub saw the culmination and success of months of efforts from one of their working groups at the Green California Schools and … READ MORE

Plugging Into Electric School Buses: Q&A with Gilbert Rosas

In this interview, we spoke with Gilbert Rosas, Director II of Sustainability & Adaptation at Modesto City Schools. Gilbert serves on the World Resource Institute’s Electric School Bus Advisory Council and gained national attention with two of the fastest electric bus deployments in California’s history at Stockton Unified School District and Modesto City Schools.

Newly Elected CAELI Co-Chair Shares Vision for Environmental Education

Environmental literacy leader Andra Yeghoian was recently elected as CAELI Co-Chair by the CAELI Executive Committee, effective March 1st. Yeghoian, the Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Coordinator from San Mateo County Office of Education, is a bold strategic thinker capable of inspiring change – read her thought-provoking call to action in response to the IPCC Report. … READ MORE

New CAELI Innovation Hub Structure Focuses on Equity and Inclusion

In early 2021, the California Environmental Literacy Initiative (CAELI) sought to center its work in equity, diversify representation, and move to a model of self-governance when it launched a new innovation hub structure. The change has resulted in a far-reaching system of inclusion that has championed new ideas and voices collaborating to achieve environmental literacy … READ MORE

Three Recommendations for Schools During COP26

Following the recent 26th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow and the increasing awareness — as a result of the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) — of the escalating and destructive impacts of global climate change, 27 organizations have come together … READ MORE

The IPCC Report Offers Educational Leaders the Opportunity to Lead Our Most Important Teachable Moment

As students return to school this fall, educators are tasked with balancing young people’s education with a staggering set of urgent situations that call us to act. An important starting point is for education leaders to understand the significance of the most recent findings of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report. In this article, Andra Yeghoian, environmental literacy coordinator at the San Mateo County Office of Education, outlines the significance of the IPCC report and offers a blueprint for educators to use this crucial moment in history to foster climate-conscious youth.

How Equity in Education Can Foster Youth-Led Climate Advocacy

For a generation of youth who refuse to continue a legacy of environmental destruction, the promise of a sustainable future is in question if we stay on our current path. Youth are litigating the loss of biodiversity, the acceleration of species extinction, and a planet on fire as they inherit a suffering planet that threatens their future. Driven by fear validated by scientific data, youth are calling for action to be taken across generational divides. In this month’s Youth Climate Leaders interview, we spoke with two of the students leading the climate emergency declaration effort in San Mateo County –– Katinka Lennemann and Lilian Chang –– about the role of education in the push for climate justice.

Youth Climate Leaders: It’s Time for Everyone — Especially those in Power — to Step Up and Make the Environment a Priority

In a world facing ongoing climate crises, youth bring a belief in science and the will to survive to counter powerful decision-makers driven by self-interest. Two student leaders, Atiya Angleen and Maram Ahmed, helped drive significant change at their schools despite facing challenges. In this Q&A, they share how this advocacy can serve as inspiration for a cultural sea change in the effort to mitigate the climate crisis.

Growing Up Wild: Fostering Youth Development through Education and Environmental Stewardship

Youth reminds us of the curiosity and awe we all once held of the world around us. That same curiosity lays the foundation of science-based inquiry. Even when constrained, youth creates dreams, possibilities, and innovation. In this month’s interview, Ismael Cruz, founder of Growing Up Wild, talks about his journey in connecting youth to nature, fostering environmental stewardship, and creating an equitable approach to outdoor education.

Hoover Hawks Victory Garden: A School and Community Jewel

The Hoover Hawks Victory Garden thrives on the Hoover Elementary School campus in West Oakland, a neighborhood rich in history, culture and people. Urban farmer Wanda Stewart is the tireless champion and architect behind the garden project, which has become an intergenerational hub of healing, learning, and wonder for the local community. In this Q&A, Wanda shares her journey to change the lives of students, families, and neighbors by teaching them to nurture a vibrant, fruitful ecosystem.