Community Partnerships
To better connect schools to green pathways and mobilize change, community partnerships are essential.
Solar One
When New York City set forth their sustainability plan, OneNYC, the NYC DOE partnered with local nonprofit Solar One to offer K12 sustainability education. This included the development of a CTE program that implements solar installation within already existing electrical programs in schools across the city. Students learn about climate literacy and green careers while preparing for a solar certification (NABCEP).
Rising Sun
Rising Sun offers paid internships for youth ages 15-22 in their Climate Careers program. Originating as a workshop at Berkeley High School, students were empowered to create a larger effort that resulted in the development of the Climate Careers program. Throughout the summer, youth take on the title of Energy Specialist and conduct Green House Calls throughout the Bay Area. The following Fall, students participate in externships with local nonprofits and organizations.
Broward County
Broward County has prioritized climate change for over a decade. Beginning with a Climate Action Plan in 2007, the county initiated NatureScape Broward to promote environmental stewardship in the local school system. “In 2014, Broward County became the first local government to create a stand-alone climate change element (or chapter) in its local Comprehensive Plan […] the Broward County Climate Change Element consists of 82 environmental policies, which consider how the community will best adapt to and mitigate for the economic, environmental, and social effects of climate change. These policies influence regulation of development, set priorities for community investments and projects, and promote an aligned vision for all cities and community partners to adopt.”
Academy for Global Citizenship
The Academy for Global Citizenship in Chicago weaves sustainability practices into every level of their infrastructure; facility, cafeteria, and curriculum. As a K-8 school, students will leave with a plethora of green skills to carry with them to and through high school. They are even in the process of constructing a net-positive energy campus. “AGC’s vision of scale is to develop and disseminate grassroots solutions to the challenges faced across our school districts by opening the doors of our Learning Laboratory to the world.”
New Harmony High
At New Harmony High in Louisiana, students prepare for their futures through the lens of coastal restoration. Each student experiences a fellowship guided by a mentor in a career field of interest. Each week, students explore their communities and the various environmental and social issues that are prevalent in the region.