Seal of Climate Literacy Diploma Endorsement
Overview
- The act authorizes Local Education Providers (LEPs) to grant a high school diploma endorsement in climate literacy to graduating students who demonstrate mastery in climate literacy and attain green skills or technical green skills.
- The LEP may collaborate with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, industry leaders, and institutions of higher education to support students' climate literacy.
- Because Colorado is a local control state, LEPs are not required to confer the seal. This is a state law, but it is not a mandate.
SB 24-014
Signed May 23, 2024
Youth and Community Engagement Is Central to this Bill
Coalition
The Seal of Climate Literacy Diploma Endorsement emerged from Lyra’s work in rural education collaboratives (Climatarium Hubs) across Colorado. Sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen and Representative Barbara McLachlan, the Seal represents a collective effort of statewide partners to transform education and advance climate literacy.
Funding
The act appropriated $18,749 to the department from the general fund for purposes of the Seal of Climate Literacy. In its first year as state law, Lyra supported over a dozen LEPs with small implementation grants, technical support, and in-kind materials. Following in the footsteps of CAEE, NAAEE Affiliates are spearheading this effort in other states.
Target Audience
The purpose of the Seal is to give high school students personal agency to help themselves and their communities understand or adapt to the effects of climate change. With promises of more states to follow, Colorado represents just the beginning of this movement. The Seal was designed with accessibility as a central value, available to students from small rural towns to large urban metropolitan areas.
Impact
Preliminary data suggest that 13 LEPs are offering the Diploma Endorsement, and an estimated 420 students have been conferred the Seal as of May 2025. This legislation was designed to allow LEPs to decide upon the climate literacy standards and specific courses required for conferment and to develop their own guidelines and partnerships for the experiential learning projects.
Contact: Founder & CEO of Lyra, Mary Seawell, mary@lyracolorado.org