September 2025

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The Denver Public Schools Sustainability Team is excited for the fresh energy a new school year brings, and we thank you for championing a healthier and safer world for our students. Read on to learn more about the journey toward the goals in the DPS Climate Action Plan.

We are excited to bring back the Climate Champions grant program for its third year!

Climate Champions funds student-led climate action projects at schools and provides students opportunities to solve real-world challenges within their community, develop leadership skills, and engage in project-based learning that will foster innovative and creative solutions to climate change. 

We invite DPS student-led project teams to apply for grant funding. The Intent to Apply is due by Oct. 17, and the application is due by Dec. 2. Review the application packet (English and Spanish). 

• Projects must be student-led and based at a DPS school or charter school.

• All grade levels can apply. 

• Project teams can request up to $20K in funding. 

Questions? Email dept_sustainability@dpsk12.net. Looking for inspiration? Review the action projects that were funded last year.

The National Wildlife Foundation's EcoSchools program offers a variety of paths to pursue environmental action at the school level and foster a culture of environmental stewardship. There are several levels that schools can pursue based on current starting point and capacity. 

This program is open for the school year, and its "choose-your-own-adventure" format makes it easy to build your path around what makes the most sense for your school community.

If you are interested in exploring EcoSchools certification at your school, please reach out to kelly_moses@dpsk12.net or complete the interest form.

In the 2024-25 school year, the following 14 DPS schools earned EcoSchools certification:

The Seal of Climate Literacy is more than just a diploma endorsement—it's a recognition of students ready to lead in a changing world. By earning the seal, students demonstrate their knowledge, passion, and commitment to climate solutions.

And DPS is proud to lead the way—awarding the seal to more students last year than any other school district in Colorado!

• Students: Ready to make your impact? Learn how to apply for the Seal of Climate Literacy.

• Staff: Explore the Seal of Climate Literacy Guide to understand requirements and how to support students on their journey.

Questions? Reach out to us at dept_sustainability@dpsk12.net. We're here to help!

Thanks to a partnership with Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency, 14 DPS schools now have engaging outdoor learning spaces that use visible solar panels as both a teaching tool and shade structure!

DPS partnered with CSU's School of Global Environmental Sustainability to offer a full-day training in August for 20 middle and high school teachers called Climate Across the Curriculum. Teachers of all content areas engaged in workshops on topics such as climate justice, futures thinking, climate emotions, climate science basics, and the power of storytelling. Teachers will integrate this content into their curricula during the school year and receive a stipend upon completion.

Reach out to dept_sustainability@dpsk12.net if you are interested in hearing about future professional learning opportunities like this!

Jordan and Miles joined the Sustainability Team this spring, and they are looking forward to working with all of you! 

Jordan is the manager of sustainable programs and leads the integration of sustainable practices into schools through curriculum, student-led sustainability projects, and school gardens.

Miles is the senior manager of operations and oversees the built environment team implementing energy efficiency, electrification, renewables, building automation, and sustainable transportation.

Reach out at jordan_allen@dpsk12.net and miles_hoffman@dpsk12.net if they can be of assistance.

• Denver students get hands-on with solar power in Summer Renewable Energy Academy

• Students get hands-on experience in electric vehicle tech in new DPS summer program

• Estudiantes hispanos aprenden sobre energía renovable en academia de DPS

• 2025 Seal of Climate Literacy Celebration

• ‘Touch-a-Truck' program teaches sustainability

• Students revitalize Denver's East High School greenhouse to expand botany education

If you are interested in climate action but not sure where to start, think about where all three of the questions below come together—and that is your climate action.

Whether you’re an artist, a foodie, or a techie, there’s a role for you in climate action—because when your skills, purpose, and joy meet, meaningful change happens.

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• Follow DPS Sustainability on Instagram and YouTube.

• View the DPS Sustainability website, and share the Climate Action Plan that is driving this work.