As we close out another transformative academic year with ECCLPs, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible community of educators, mentors, and interns who continue to build momentum for environmental and climate literacy across California. Our collective efforts have laid strong foundations for deeper engagement, connection, and action.

This academic year, we developed the ECCLPs Key Paradigm Shifts for Climate Teaching and Learning, launched the ECCLPs Education Hub, and engaged in inspiring projects while supporting innovative curriculum efforts. We also grew our ECCLPs community—welcoming new faces, amplifying diverse voices, and expanding our reach across both the CSU and UC systems.

As we wind down for the summer, we want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. Whether you were hosting workshops, showing up to intern meetings, or sharing your story in one of our newsletters—your contributions have made a difference. We look forward to rolling out new opportunities for connection, professional development, and collaborative impact. Until then, thank you for being part of this growing movement. Have a restful and inspiring summer—we’ll see you soon!

ECCLPs would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the undergraduate interns who recently completed their internships. Their dedication to environmental literacy, teamwork, and community-engaged research exemplified the values at the heart of ECCLPs’ mission.

Over the past academic year, these students collaborated with mentors, participated in place-based learning projects, and contributed fresh perspectives to environmental education and justice initiatives. Whether supporting curriculum development, conducting outreach, or exploring climate resilience in their local communities, each intern played a key role in advancing ECCLPs’ vision of equitable and accessible climate education.

As these interns transition to new academic and professional endeavors, ECCLPs celebrates their achievements and looks forward to witnessing their continued impact in the field. Their energy, curiosity, and leadership promise a bright future for climate and environmental literacy efforts across California and beyond.

Photo Credit: Laura Rodriguez

This past April, scholars and practitioners gathered at Crissy Field in Golden Gate National Recreation Area for the Outdoor Campaign Research and Evaluation Meeting, a collaborative event hosted by the California Outdoor Learning Coalition . The meeting brought together health professionals, environmental educators, learning scientists, and researchers to deepen understanding of outdoor learning’s benefits and chart the course for the next phase of statewide efforts.

Participants reviewed baseline data from the California Outdoor Learning Campaign and identified key research questions to guide future programming and policy. Emphasis was placed on how outdoor learning environments can improve student well-being, support culturally relevant teaching, and expand equitable access to environmental experiences.

This gathering reflects a growing movement to integrate outdoor education into California’s broader educational framework. ECCLPs is proud to align with initiatives that prioritize student wellness, climate resilience, and community connection through meaningful engagement with the natural world.

ECCLPs is pleased to highlight an exciting upcoming opportunity for elementary educators: Literacy is STEAM – Books for Science, a full-day event hosted by the Teacher Academy. This engaging professional development experience will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the UCI Division of Continuing Education.

This dynamic gathering invites educators to explore the integration of literacy, science, and the arts in meaningful, classroom-ready ways. Participants will hear from literacy experts, learn alongside teacher leaders, and connect with authors of picture books designed to spark inquiry and imagination. The California Arts Project will offer specialized breakout sessions focused on dance, theater, and visual arts as tools for STEM engagement, reinforcing the role of creative expression in science education.

Attendees will receive picture books, STEAM-aligned learning modules, classroom supplies, and access to follow-up meetings in fall 2025 to continue building a supportive community of practice. The $20 registration includes parking, meals, and materials. Click here to register .

ECCLPs is proud to spotlight the upcoming Computing for a Just and Sustainable Future: Educators’ Conference, a transformative learning experience for teachers interested in connecting environmental justice with computational thinking. The event will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education.

This conference will explore how computing concepts, practices, and inquiry can deepen students’ understanding of climate change and its impacts on communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in collaborative sessions that bridge computer science and sustainability education. The day will feature a keynote address by ECCLPs' Faculty Advisor , Dr. Asli Sezen-Barrie .Her leadership and research offer powerful insight into how educators can support students in using computational tools to engage with real-world climate issues through a justice-centered lens. Click here to register .

ECCLPs is proud to support changemakers who are transforming how students engage with climate literacy. This month, we spotlight Thomas Yount, a game designer and environmental advocate whose cooperative board game, Climate Cooldown, helps learners understand climate solutions through creativity and collaboration. Rooted in his Pacific Northwest upbringing and shaped by his experience as a professional game tester, Yount blends environmental passion with game design to inspire critical thinking and civic engagement among students.

Climate Cooldown invites players to explore real-world climate challenges by working together, making decisions, and reflecting on the consequences of unsustainable actions. The game includes 72 carefully curated cards, a comprehensive teacher’s guide, and prompts that support interdisciplinary learning from upper elementary through college level. Developed over three years with input from educators and climate experts, the game has become a valuable tool for teaching systems thinking, climate literacy, and collective action—all core values of ECCLPs.

Through his partnership with ECCLPs, Yount has connected with a broad network of educators to refine the game’s classroom relevance and expand its impact. He is currently developing a new game focused on real-world community climate successes and continues to advocate for gamified learning as a tool for empowerment. Yount’s work aligns with ECCLPs’ mission to foster equitable, inclusive, and hope-driven approaches to climate education across California and beyond.

Explore Thomas Yount’s full story in the ECCLPs Case Study Hub by clicking here !

Our high school ECCLPs volunteers are leading the way in climate action and community engagement. Former high school volunteer Kieran Beckham shared his experience facilitating peer sessions: “I showed participants how our generation can become actively involved and how we can become changemakers in our communities to tackle the climate crisis.” Through hands-on projects, outreach, and leadership, these students are proving that young people have the power to make a real difference. Their passion and drive are helping to shape a more informed, sustainable future.

Sophie Deng, an exceptional former high school volunteer, was a true force for change during her time with ECCLPs. Sophie’s dedication to climate literacy and youth empowerment helped spark meaningful conversations and inspire action. Reflecting on her work, she shared, “One of our main goals is to appeal to the young leaders around the world; to collaborate and support each other. I believe the bigger the group we form, the more significant the impact will be.” Her vision and passion continue to inspire others to join the movement, proving that together, we can create a lasting impact.

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.