Colorado Climate Literacy Seal Drives Student Ozone Garden
A student's ozone garden project at Vista Academy highlights the hands-on learning required for Colorado's climate literacy seal.
Anthony Muñoz’s ozone garden at Vista Academy fulfills the requirements for Colorado’s seal of climate literacy by combining academic coursework with a hands-on environmental project. The statewide initiative, which has been adopted by 26 of Colorado's 179 school districts since 2024, requires students to complete two advanced courses and a community-focused capstone project. Muñoz, a student at the charter school near Denver's main airport, built his garden with help from climate scientists at the federal National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder.
To earn the seal, students must tackle a local climate issue. Muñoz partnered with a local university to create a garden on his school's campus. It uses native plants that detect ground-level ozone pollution. The academic requirements are specific. Students need two classes promoting climate literacy. One must be a science class like environmental studies or biology. The other can be in any discipline, including humanities or fine arts. Approved capstone projects can also include building beaver dams, trail work, snow science, or forestry management.
Seal expands as states adopt climate-focused graduation recognition
Following Colorado’s lead, other states are creating similar programs. Maine adopted its own climate seal earlier this year. California signed a law to establish one. Youth coalitions have pushed for the policy in Hawaii and Minnesota with varying success. The idea originated with Lyra Colorado, a Denver nonprofit. Its CEO, Mary Seawell, reported the adoption data.
State approaches differ. Maine's education officials adopted the seal directly to avoid legislative debate. "We already have a seal of biliteracy, so this was a natural next step," said Teddy Lyman, Maine's K-12 climate education specialist. The seal complements state guidelines requiring traditional ecological knowledge in all classes. A spring pilot across nine high schools expected a dozen applicants. Instead, 57 seniors applied. In Hawaii, a student member of the state board of education championed the seal. The Minnesota Youth Council, a state advisory board, recommended it during the last legislative session.
Proponents see seal as bridge to green careers and local resilience
Supporters argue the seal prepares students for green jobs and strengthens community action. Laura Schifter, a senior fellow with the Aspen Institute’s This is Planet Ed, sees local focus as key. “Where we can make the most difference is often in our local community,” said Laura Schifter. Proponents hope it connects students to work in solar energy, climate-resilient farming, water management, and heat mitigation.
The program is voluntary for districts and students. An estimated 1,200 students have received the seal so far. Funding is a challenge. Colorado lawmakers provided less than $20,000 for rollout. Many students fund projects themselves or seek grants. Muñoz co-wrote a $1 million grant proposal to the city for school gardens. Lyra Colorado created its own grant program to help schools pay for teachers’ time, projects, and graduation cords.
Critics exist. Lance Izumi, senior director of education studies with California's Pacific Research Institute, noted only a third of California students test as proficient in science. His think tank has been criticized for sharing climate disinformation. Meanwhile, districts are integrating climate concepts. Denver Public Schools will build lessons about climate change into its state-mandated civics course.
Graduates are moving into related fields. Anthony Muñoz is now a sophomore studying mechanical engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. He serves as vice president of the school's environmental club. Rylan Neumann, a graduate from the Boulder Valley School District, enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley to study environmental economics. He joined an eco-club and lobbied state lawmakers in Sacramento in support of California’s climate seal bill. Reflecting on his garden, Muñoz sees its value. One garden’s a very good data source, said Muñoz. Colorado’s so beautiful, and I would hate to see it wilt away.
