Build Climate Leaders: Leverage ELOP Funds to Bring TAG’s Climate Action Schools to Your District

As California continues to lead the way in environmental literacy and climate action, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) presents a unique opportunity for school districts to enrich their environmental and sustainability education. By leveraging ELOP funds to bring Take Action Global (TAG)’s Climate Action Schools program into schools, districts can align with state standards, enhance student engagement, and build long-term sustainable programs that resonate with California’s environmental goals.

TAG’s Climate Action Schools program is designed to empower students and educators to become environmental leaders in their communities through hands-on, real-world sustainability projects. Aligned with California’s Environmental Principles and Concepts (EP&Cs) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the program fosters students’ understanding of climate science, biodiversity, energy conservation, and environmental justice. By incorporating this program into schools, districts can elevate their ELOP offerings to not only meet state standards but to inspire a new generation of climate-conscious leaders.

California schools are already doing tremendous work within their ELOP programs, offering enrichment activities that range from arts and sports to STEM and community service. Partnering with TAG allows districts to expand this foundation by introducing climate-focused service learning and STEAM projects, such as renewable energy experiments, eco-gardens, and conservation campaigns. This approach transforms students into active participants in environmental stewardship, linking academic skills with real-world impact and preparing them for future careers in green industries.

Additionally, a partnership with TAG helps districts address the long-term sustainability of their ELOP programs. By bringing in a structured program like Climate Action Schools, districts benefit from TAG’s expertise in environmental education, a framework for consistent climate-based learning, and a pathway to develop local initiatives that will last beyond current funding. TAG’s Climate Action Schools program is designed to be flexible and scalable, empowering schools to sustain their climate initiatives as part of the school culture, even if funding sources shift in the future.

Now is the time for California districts to make bold moves in environmental education by investing in partnerships that prioritize both academic and environmental excellence. Leveraging ELOP funds to partner with TAG can turn today’s students into tomorrow’s environmental leaders, ensuring that our schools remain at the forefront of climate action and sustainability for years to come. Let’s build a lasting legacy of climate literacy in California’s schools with the support of TAG’s Climate Action Schools.

/

Kleopatra Kalogerakou, Greece

Climate Action Schools – Champions Leading the Way for Sustainable Futures

As the Climate Action Schools program kicks off, our champions have been taking inspiring first steps to integrate climate awareness and action into their classrooms. The Climate Action Schools program is an exciting, global movement that empowers students and teachers to become real-world climate heroes! Imagine classrooms buzzing with energy, where students dive into hands-on projects like recycling challenges, eco-friendly garden design, and social media campaigns for climate awareness. This program doesn’t just teach about the environment—it turns learning into action, sparking passion and creativity as students tackle real issues impacting their communities and our planet. Partnering with schools worldwide, Climate Action Schools builds connections, fuels innovation, and inspires a new generation of changemakers to create a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone. Let’s change the world, one school at a time!

Our Champions began the program by crafting vision boards, each telling a unique story of climate commitment in just six words. This powerful storytelling exercise sparked thoughtful reflections and gave them a foundation to envision the potential impact of their efforts.

Visioning for a Purpose: Setting the Direction for Climate Action

Following their initial vision boards, Champions dove into a visioning activity designed to reflect on their current initiatives and chart actionable goals for the year. This activity included a reflective, one-hour meeting with their School Leader or a trusted colleague. During these conversations, they explored their school’s progress in climate action education, identifying the core challenges and future possibilities. Through answering targeted questions, Champions are analyzing and evolving their climate education efforts to ensure maximum impact.

Champion Snapshots: Leading Climate Action Around the World

Here’s a look at some of the incredible ways Champions are setting the stage for climate action in their schools:

  • Shahnaaz Ojha (Nagpur, India) is leading a global cohort of 20 schools across 11 countries with projects focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her school is incorporating lessons on reducing microfibers and working on projects to minimize waste and conserve energy.
  • Arslan Sher (Pakistan) is engaging his community with climate awareness initiatives, creating images and videos for social media, and fostering green spaces through tree planting and a new school garden.
  • Badria Taamari (Syria) is navigating social, economic, and technical challenges to spread climate awareness, including establishing connections with classrooms in other countries for global exchange and collaboration.
  • Elizabeth Tompkins (Florida, USA) has organized a Climate Action Club with activities like Earth Day tree planting and field trips to the Marine Aquarium to educate students on environmental stewardship.
  • Nicole Keicher (New York, USA) is focusing on recycling programs, initiating a clothing exchange, and partnering with a local environmental center to deepen her students’ community connections to climate action.
  • Angela Ghinea (Romania) has launched programs on recycling, gardening, and hydroponics and is actively engaging her community through social media and guest speakers.

Next Steps: Keystone Species Studies and Community Engagement

The next steps for our Champions involve an exciting focus on identifying and studying a keystone species unique to their community. By centering their climate education around this species, they will connect students to the local ecosystem in meaningful ways, deepening their understanding of biodiversity and conservation.

Follow our social channels for more inspiring stories as Champions continue to lead the charge for climate action, one impactful step at a time! Every small action truly adds up to big change, and together, we’re fostering a generation of climate-aware, empowered students ready to create a sustainable future.

Call To Action!

Learn more about the Climate Action Schools program by following this year’s inspiring journey and discovering how your school can join the 2025-2026 cohort! We’re looking for 100 schools to be part of this global initiative, where educators and students collaborate on innovative climate solutions and tech-driven projects. As a participant, your school will gain access to valuable resources, expert workshops, and a network of passionate educators dedicated to climate action. Don’t miss the opportunity to make a lasting impact—explore the program and apply for next year, today at Climate Action Schools. Together, we can build a more sustainable future!

/

Back-to-School with Sustainability: A Powerful Partnership Between Elementari & Take Action Global

Back-to-School with Sustainability: A Powerful Partnership Between Elementari & Take Action Global

This new school year is bringing fresh starts and exciting possibilities. Here at Take Action Global (TAG), we’re thrilled to be partnering with Elementari to ignite a passion for sustainability and social action in classrooms worldwide!

Unleash Creativity for Climate Action! Educators Invited to Free LEGO® Build the Change Institutes

New York, NY (October 7, 2024): Take Action Global (TAG) has partnered with The LEGO Group and is excited to announce open registration for the 2024-2025 LEGO® Build the Change Institutes! This innovative program offers a free, month-long professional development experience for educators working with students in grades 5-8.