Dear Incredible Partners,

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for the incredible journey we have shared. Together, we have made tremendous strides in systemically advancing climate education to activate student agency. It has been an honor to witness the passion, innovation, and dedication that you bring to this critical work. Thank you for your partnership, support, and commitment to building a just and more sustainable future.

As I reflect on our collective accomplishments, I am filled with hope and excitement for the future of the ECCLPs initiative. I am confident that this next phase will see the work continue to thrive and evolve in ways that inspire and empower even more students and educators. While I will no longer be leading this remarkable organization, I will remain a staunch supporter and advocate for its mission.

I am also thrilled to share that I will be stepping into a new role as the Executive Director of Grades of Green . With more direct opportunities to connect with students and teachers, I cannot wait to work more closely with our schools and industry partners to catalyze climate action across our communities. I look forward to finding new ways to collaborate so we can explore how our efforts intersect and can be amplified together.

Thank you once again for your partnership. Your unwavering dedication and partnership have meant the world, and I can’t wait to see the incredible impact you will continue to make.

In service,

Dr. Kelley Lê

Last month, ECCLPs and SubjectToClimate proudly launched the new Education Hub: Climate Action Through Teaching and Learning during an inspiring panel session. The webinar, hosted by Dr. Kelley Lê , the inaugural Executive Director of ECCLPs, brought together educators, community leaders, and climate advocates to discuss the future of climate change education in California. Alongside our powerful guest speakers, the panel explored innovative strategies for integrating climate action into teaching practices, empowering educators to inspire change within their classrooms and communities.

Panelists shared actionable insights on fostering collaboration, amplifying local voices, and leveraging the Education Hub as a resource for transformative climate education. The session highlighted the critical role educators play in equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to address the climate crisis. Attendees left energized and ready to use the tools and ideas shared to drive meaningful climate action in their own spheres of influence. If you missed the webinar, you can access the video recording here !

Education has the power to redefine how we approach climate change, shifting from traditional models to a transformative process. By fostering deeper understanding and meaningful connections, we can equip individuals and communities to engage with the complexities of climate change, strengthening relationships with one another and the planet.

This month, we are highlighting the third paradigm shift for climate teaching and learning: from positioning climate change solutions as reductionistic, highly technical, far-removed from those it impacts, and universally effective, to framing them as dynamic, innovative, interconnected, and sensitive to the layered vulnerabilities experienced by different communities. This shift emphasizes the necessity of involving everyone in generating diverse, responsive solutions while underscoring the crucial role of education in fostering understanding and engagement about this socioscientific issue, its causes, and its solutions.

Join us as we explore each of these paradigm shifts and the profound ways they can shape the next generation of climate leaders.Read more about ECCLPs' Six Paradigm Shifts for Climate Teaching and Learning on our website .

ECCLPs’ UC-CSU interns recently joined Benjamin Fordham, a Climate and Energy professional, and an ECCLPs Steering Committee member , for an engaging fireside chat titled Perspectives on Sustainability Consulting. Benjamin shared his experiences implementing sustainable solutions across various sectors, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and balancing environmental goals with business priorities. He highlighted that sustainability consulting goes beyond technical problem-solving, requiring a deep understanding of stakeholder needs and innovative approaches to align economic and environmental objectives.

The discussion explored emerging trends such as renewable energy integration, sustainability metrics, and the push for transparent, equitable practices. Benjamin’s reflections on the challenges and opportunities in the industry inspired interns to think critically about their roles as future sustainability leaders. This session showcased the power of mentorship and knowledge sharing, leaving participants motivated to drive meaningful change in their careers.

We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Kelley Lê , ECCLPs' inaugural Executive Director and leader in climate change education, will be a guest of the 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 N ext 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 .

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.

ECCLPs case studies aim to amplify and promote the work of climate leaders in the field. This month, we are thrilled to spotlight the inspiring efforts of Dr. Cassandra Drake , an Assistant Professor of Liberal Studies at California State University, Stanislaus, is r edefining climate change education through her innovative teaching methods and commitment to climate justice. Drawing on her personal experiences growing up in Bakersfield, California, and her global perspective gained from living in Baja California, México, Dr. Drake weaves social and environmental justice into her teaching philosophy. Her unique approach encourages future educators to critically reflect on their own climate stories, fostering a deeper connection to their environments and their identities as educators.

As a member of the ECCLPs Steering Committee , Dr. Drake collaborates with educators, researchers, and community organizations to enhance climate literacy and empower teacher candidates with t ools to address the complexities of environmental and social inequities. She emphasizes the importance of framing lessons in alignment with state standards and building administrative support to integrate climate topics into the curriculum. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Drake partners with organizations like the Ocean Agency to develop innovative projects, such as using Adobe AI to teach ocean literacy and digital ethics, ensuring her students are equipped to inspire action in their own communities.

Dr. Drake’s dedication exemplifies how educators can drive transformative change, preparing the next generation to tackle pressing environmental challenges with knowledge, empathy, and resilience. Explore Dr. Drake'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 . Are you gearing up for an interview with a green job organization or company? This month, we’re featuring a quick and practical video filled with essential tips to help you ace your next interview in the green space. From crafting impactful responses to aligning your values with the company’s mission, this resource is designed to help you stand out. Click here to explore the Green Careers Toolkit!

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.