November 2022

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Falling for Sustainability with CELF

During this month of Thanksgiving, we're grateful for a busy calendar of fulfilling school programs and community events with partners old and new. A few recent highlights...

Through our Green Careers guest speaker series, we connected 5th graders from Lantrip Elementary in Houston with Maria Lozano from Baker Hughes to learn about Maria's work helping the energy industry reduce its carbon footprint.
On a brisk fall morning, educators and partners joined guides from Harris County, TX for a CELF in the Field "plogging" event to collect waste along Spring Creek - on foot and via canoe!
In Tarrytown, our NY team led a seasonal pumpkin life cycle activity with W.L. Morse School's Eco Club.
Our TX team joined Channelview High School for their annual Career Day, equipping educators with air quality monitors to kick off a new Civic Science project.

Bring CELF programs to your school

Maria Lozano answers student questions during a Green Careers event with Lantrip Elementary.

Teachers from Lewis Middle School collect waste by canoe along Spring Creek in Harris County, TX.

CELF Educator Adriana Castro shares Civic Science project examples with students at Channelview High School

CELF Intern Hana Epstein interviews former CELF intern Emily Parish

In this video, CELF's Summer 2022 Intern Hana Epstein interviews former CELF Intern Emily Parish about her new role with Highland Electric Fleets.

Apply to be CELF's next Spring Intern

Building the Case for Electric School Buses through Student Inquiry

Last month, the EPA announced 1 billion in new funding for electric school buses. As part of a larger effort to support schools and districts to take advantage of this opportunity, CELF has been working with Highland Electric Fleets to launch a new package of curricular resources for middle and high school teachers aimed at fostering student inquiry around air quality and environmental justice, and exploring the potential of solutions like electric school buses to reduce air pollution and support community health.

Explore the Air Quality & Environmental Justice Curriculum

CELF Team Updates - Help Cultivate Our Success in 2023!

Welcome Kirsty Hameleers!

Kirsty joined the CELF team in October as the California Curriculum and Outreach Coordinator, bringing her rich experiences as an elementary school teacher and outdoor educator to CELF's role in the California Climate Change and Environmental Justice Program.

"I am excited to be part of the CELF team and mission. I'm most looking forward to leveraging my knowledge and experience to help K-2 students learn how to become advocates for their communities, so the future is sustainable and a hopeful time to look forward to!"

Are you a K-2 California educator interested in paid opportunities to field test new climate change and environmental justice lessons?

Contact Kirsty

CELF's End-of-Year campaign is live!

2022 has been a year of renewal and new growth for CELF. This year, CELF explored a hybrid approach to our Civic Science Summer Institute, piloted a “CELF Scholar” initiative for high school students, translated more of our resources into Spanish, and engaged pre-service educators in developing Civic Science projects as they prepare for their careers. With a strategic focus on attracting more inclusive and diverse participant cohorts, CELF has seen a 13% increase in the portion of US Title 1 schools served since 2020.

As the scope of our work continues to grow, the support of our community remains foundational to our success. Learn more about our proudest 2022 accomplishments, and please consider supporting our work in 2023 with a contribution.

Donate Now

Member Feature: The Hewitt School

The Hewitt School in New York City joined CELF as a Member School in 2021 to take advantage of CELF's tailored teacher professional development and student experiential learning services.

In late October, CELF worked with Hewitt's Sustainability Coordinator, Tim Clare, to plan a Green Careers session as part of the school's Sustainability Immersive Program. Maija Liisa Niemistö, Education Specialist from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, joined the students virtually to share her journey and highlights of her work leading the Hudson River Estuary Program.

Learn more about becoming a CELF Member School

Allyson Book,

Chief Sustainability Officer

Baker Hughes

Learn about CELF's Employee Engagement Opportunities

Sponsor Spotlight: Baker Hughes Foundation

Since 2021, the Baker Hughes Foundation has been a valued supporter of our Houston programming. Baker Hughes' committed team has contributed to our work by volunteering with our Green Careers program, and by joining our clean-up efforts at Jesse Jones Park during our recent CELF in the Field event.

“Sustainability at Baker Hughes means operating in a responsible way to minimize our environmental impact and maximize social benefits by providing affordable, sustainable, and secure energy for the people and planet. For 25 years, the Baker Hughes Foundation has been a steward of charitable resources for meaningful community impact, and its grant to CELF seeks to build the energy workforce of the future by promoting a diverse, equitable and inclusive education. CELF is doing tremendous work in educating the future generation in sustainability, and we are proud to be able to contribute towards its deep and meaningful impact in our society today.”

-Allyson Book, Chief Sustainability Officer

Opportunities for Student Sustainability Champions

National Geographic Slingshot Challenge

How are you aiming for a better tomorrow? The Slingshot Challenge is your chance to share your ideas for improving our environment. Create and submit your one-minute video for a chance at $10,000.

Eco Hero Awards

Applications open December 1st for young environmental activists between the ages of 8 - 16 who have completed a substantial project to help sustain our planet.

Kids Gardening Grant

Since 1982, the Youth Garden Grant has supported school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for youth and their communities. In early 2023, fifty organizations will be awarded $500 in funding and a collection of gardening supplies for their youth garden program. Applications are due December 2nd!

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