The ECCLPs UC-CSU Internship Program recently hosted a dynamic and inspiring statewide meeting on the topic of Leadership Development, led by grad mentors, Mya Shiloh and Alexis Valdez . The session brought together interns from across California to explore the traits, qualities, and skills that shape effective leadership and how these principles apply to their unique journeys.

This statewide meeting exemplified the power of collaborative learning and shared wisdom. The insights gained from Mya and Alexis’s leadership helped interns reflect on their roles within their communities and the importance of fostering understanding, inclusivity, and curiosity as they develop as leaders. As this session demonstrated, leadership is not confined to a single definition. Instead, it is a diverse and evolving practice that can transform not only individuals but also the communities they serve.

This past month, we had the privilege of hosting a fireside chat with Dr. Larissa Dooley , a climate psychologist and research scientist at the Climate Mental Health Network . Dr. Dooley’s groundbreaking work focuses on the intersection of climate change and mental health, with a particular emphasis on supporting youth and educators in building emotional resilience. The fireside chat left interns inspired and better equipped to address climate emotions in their own contexts. By integrating emotional resilience into climate education, we can empower the next generation to face the challenges of climate change with strength, hope, and determination.

Climate change education can go beyond traditional teaching—it can spark a transformative journey. By reshaping worldviews, mindsets, and values, we can foster a deeper understanding of how we think, act, and connect. This approach strengthens our relationships with ourselves, each other, and the planet, empowering us to create meaningful change.

This month we are highlighting the second paradigm shift for climate teaching and learning, f rom positioning climate-related expertise as only coming from a limited number of scientific disciplines to recognizing and integrating expertise and knowledge from multiple sources, empowering students as active partners and future stewards in driving climate solutions!

Stay tuned to dive deeper into each shift and how we can inspire the next generation of climate leaders! Read more about ECCLPs' Six Paradigm Shifts for Climate Teaching and Learning on our website .

National Geographic Slingshot Challenge: Empowering Young Innovators to Solve Global Issues

ECCLPs is teaming up with CSU Bakersfield researchers to support this year’s National Geographic Slingshot Challengeto propel the future by centering on youth innovation! In partnership with National Geographic and Dr. Brittany Beck, ECCLPs' CSU Bakersfield Faculty Representative, we aim to empower youth to explore the power of storytelling and technology to communicate impactful solutions and inspire others to engage in climate education and advocacy. Register for the Slingshot Challenge here .

Educators, community organizations, and activists across California are invited to contribute to Climate Connections: Community Efforts in PK-12 Education , a zine that celebrates the powerful role of community-based partners in advancing climate and environmental education. This publication aims to showcase innovative strategies—ranging from educational programs and advocacy campaigns to organizing efforts—that engage students and communities in meaningful environmental action.

This is a unique opportunity to amplify your work and inspire others in the field of PK-12 education. Submissions are due by December 13, 2024, and contributors can contact callforzine@gmail.com for questions about the process. Join us in highlighting the incredible community-driven efforts shaping the future of climate and environmental education in California. Contribute to the Zine here!

Let’s harness our collective expertise, amplify our impact, and support educators together! We’re excited to offer PK-12 teachers access to incredible micro-courses offered by statewide and global partners through our new professional learning platform. This is a fantastic opportunity to elevate your organization’s visibility by showcasing your course and using our network to increase your reach. Submit your micro-learning experiences to be spotlighted to further connect today! Submit interest here.

We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Kelley Lê , ECCLP's Executive Director and a leader in climate change education, will be joining us for an engaging AERA Science Teaching and Learning SIG Book Chat to discuss her latest publication, Teaching Climate Change for Grades 6–12: Activating Science Teachers to Take on the Climate Crisis Through NGSS, 2nd Edition.

Dr. Lê’s book, is a must-read for educators looking to empower the next generation of environmental stewards. Grounded in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), this new edition explores actionable strategies for equipping science teachers to address the climate crisis with confidence, creativity, and a focus on solutions. Register to attend the Book Chat here .

ECCLPs case studies are a tool to amplify and promote the work of climate leaders in the field. This month, we are excited to highlight the incredible work of Orange County Environmental Justice (OCEJ)! OCEJ is dedicated to cultivating grassroots leadership and promoting environmental justice across the ancestral lands of the Acjachemen and Tongva Nations, now known as Orange County, California.

Representing a diverse community, OCEJ empowers marginalized groups to take action toward environmental justice. With a small but passionate team of seven, OCEJ focuses on community education, youth training through their Community Science Organizing Model, and leveraging research to advocate for impactful environmental policies. Explore OCEJ's full story in the ECCLPs Case Study Hub by clicking here!

Explore the rapidly growing world of green jobs with the Green Jobs Toolkit, led by environmental advocate Kristy Drutman . This month's feature covers long-term career pathways and the importance of mentorship in supporting a successful career in the Green Space. Whether you're just starting or looking to pivot your career, this is a great resource to help you get on the path to a future in the Green Space. Click here to explore the Green Careers Toolkit!

Dr. Asli Sezen-Barrie , ECCLPs' faculty advisor, alongside Dr. Fikile Nxumalo from the University of Toronto, will serve as inaugural editors of the new journal section titled Climate Change and Environmental Education. This section invites scholarship on teaching, learning, and activism related to climate change and environmental issues. Contributions may explore thriving futures, critical perspectives on education, transdisciplinary approaches, or action-oriented, community-driven studies.

For more information on the journal and submission guidelines, please visit the Science Education journal's website: Science Education Journal .

CalEnviroScreenis an essential tool for empowering California communities to advocate for environmental justice and equity. By identifying areas that experience disproportionate environmental burdens, CalEnviroScreen scores and maps pollution levels and population vulnerability across the state, helping users pinpoint regions facing the greatest challenges. With this information, communities can better understand local environmental risks, organize for change, and take proactive steps to improve health and safety. Discover how to use the CalEnviroScreen tool with ECCLPs' guide and take actionable steps towards a more equitable future for all communities. Thank you to West LA College and Dr. Jo Tavares for collaborating with ECCLPs to connect us with three talented summer interns . As part of their internship project, Ramin Oskoui developed this guide. Explore ECCLPs' guide to use the CalEnviroScreen tool here!

Evelyn Bigini, a Registered Nurse and Child Care Health Consultant at UCSF, is studying environmental perspectives in children’s education across California. She seeks educators of children aged 3-10 for a one-hour interview (up to two hours), offering a $50 gift card as a thank you. This voluntary research aims to capture valuable educator perspectives to shape environmental understanding in early childhood education. If interested, please contact Evelyn at evelyn.bigini@ucsf.edu or (209) 312-7458.

Looking for a way to recognize young environmental leaders? The President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) honors K-12 students for outstanding projects that promote environmental stewardship. This award highlights youth initiatives that address critical environmental challenges through innovation, leadership, and community engagement.

Encourage students to showcase their work and inspire others to take meaningful action for the planet! Learn more and explore how to get involved: PEYA Program .

We are excited to share a valuable resource from Native Governance Center: Beyond Land Acknowledgment: A Guide. This comprehensive guide offers insights into the importance of land acknowledgments and provides actionable steps for individuals and organizations to deepen their engagement with Indigenous communities. Explore the guide to learn how you can move beyond acknowledgment and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive future. Access the resource here.

Explore how we can create a brighter, sustainable future with this free educator reading guide. It offers thought-provoking questions, classroom activities, and discussion prompts to help students engage with the inspiring stories of people and communities making a positive impact on the climate crisis. Ideal for sparking conversations on environmental action and community resilience, the guide supports both classroom learning and individual reflection. Access the guide here .

Please use the comment button below to provide your suggestions, comments, or questions for the ECCLPs team. Your input is valuable to us and we appreciate opportunities to connect.