CELF-CC-Headers-newsletter-sm.png

May 2023

Did a friend forward you this email? Newsletter Signup

Creative Student Research Projects Spark Global Conversations at the CELF Virtual Student Symposium

At CELF's 2023 Virtual Student Symposium, students from New York, Texas and Ghana presented their projects, sharing results and solutions with their peers. A wide range of research topics covered endangered species like tiger salamanders, tested the impact of microplastics on brine shrimp, addressed bacterial contamination in drinking water and on artificial turf playing fields, and explored ways to improve air quality and access to nutritious food. The students inspired each other, and all of us, with action plans to help make their local communities healthier and more sustainable.

Would you like your students to participate in a future symposium? CELF is currently recruiting educators for the 2023/24 academic year Civic Science: Inquiry to Action cohort. Educators who sign up now will receive support and guidance throughout the next school year as they prepare students for future student symposiums, in person and virtual.

Download the 2023/24 Civic Science Flyer
Join the 2023/24 Civic Science Educator Cohort

"Thank you very much for this great opportunity. It is our prayer that our suggestions that we’ve put before you put this into action in order to help minimize waste in our country.” - Student, Manya Krobo Senior High School, Ghana

Make your opinion count!

Share your thoughts and ideas in the Annual CELF Survey


Your feedback can help shape the future of CELF programs, so we can best support you, your students and your community. If you are an educator who participated in any CELF program since 2020, please complete the survey to tell us about your experience.


Respond by June 5th and you'll be entered into a raffle for a chance to win your choice of a Moonflower Farms Grow Kit or a Plush for the Planet stuffed animal.

Complete the Survey Now

Outdoor Field Experiences Blossom This Spring

This spring, CELF partnered with schools in New York and Texas to provide students and teachers with field experiences that got them outside the classroom and into the fresh air.

Galveston Bay Foundation, Wetland Connections Program, TX


At the Sweetwater Preserve in Galveston, TX, CELF joined the GBF team and local middle and high school students to learn ways to care for this sensitive ecosystem.

W.L Morse Elementary

at the Peabody Preserve in Tarrytown, NY


Aided by the Colors of Place activity, students from W.L. Morse Elementary School explored the systems of life at a nearby nature preserve.

Lantrip Elementary

Fieldtrip to Engie HQ in

Houston, TX


At the Houston campus of Engie, an energy transition company and CELF sponsor, kids learned about renewable energy, engaged in a coloring activity, and completed an energy quiz.

Bring Field Experiences to Your School

Registration Open: Houston Summer Institute

Lone Star College-Kingwood, August 1-3, 2023

This three-day Summer Institute presents Education for Sustainability as a lens for learning and explores community resources to enrich student experiences.


Educators will create Student Action Projects to address community concerns and will integrate sustainability concepts into teaching practices using CELF’s Big Ideas of Sustainability framework.


Tuition is free, funded through the generosity of CELF supporters.

Learn More and Register Today

Read all about it!

"How Stem Education Will Unlock New York's Sustainable Future"

By Tara Stafford Ocansey


In an Op Ed in the Gotham Gazette, CELF Executive Director Tara Stafford Ocansey describes how investment in Sustainability and STEM education are critical to foster climate action and inclusive work force development for New York's emerging offshore wind industry. Full text here.


Lantrip Elementary Engagement

Recap Report 2022/23


In the 2022/23 academic year, CELF brought Education for Sustainability to Lantrip students through numerous programs: Teacher Professional Development, Green Careers Speaker Series, Field Experiences and a Student Showcase. For ideas of how CELF can support your school, read the Recap Report.

Streaming now ...

Garrison Youth Climate Summit

Garrison School Youth Climate Summit 2023


At the Youth Climate Summit, student keynote speakers from Garrison 4th to 8th grades shared their climate stories and the knowledge they've acquired working on long-term research projects related to sustainability. Watch the video.

Save Tomorrow, a Young Voices for the Planet Film

Save Tomorrow


Young Voices for the Planet is now a part of CELF. Discover the Young Voices for the Planet films on CELF's website and YouTube channel. Watch the video.

CELF is hiring!

Communications and Development Manager

CELF is seeking a Communications and Development Manager who has 3+ years of communications experience, ideally in an in-house leadership role within a fast-growing nonprofit, and covering areas such as event marketing, donor communications, social media, website content, and newsletters.

Learn More about Working with CELF and Current Openings

Follow CELF on Social Media

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Twitter
Donate Today