Lyra

Lyra CEO Mary Seawell presented at Aspen Ideas Climate in Chicago today on the Seal of Climate Literacy and its connection to workforce and higher education.

She was joined on stage by Matt Gianneschi, President of Colorado Mountain College, and Chris Hansen, CEO of La Plata Electric Association, with Joelle Deleveaux of the Lumina Foundation moderating.

Preparing future ready students means helping them understand climate not as a standalone topic, but as a cross-cutting issue that shapes careers, communities, and economies. That takes schools, higher education, employers, and policymakers working together to connect learning to real-world application, open clearer pathways into emerging careers, and make sure students are ready to adapt, lead, and thrive through hands on learning.

Good to be in the room with partners like UndauntedK12 doing this work alongside us.

Maine has has been such a leader for the Seal of Climate Literacy. Grateful for the Maine Department of Education for turning an idea into a real diploma endorsement, and educators and students across the state who are meeting the moment. Maine is now one of the first states in the country to formally recognize climate literacy on a diploma.

Read more:

Maine Celebrates First Recipients of the Seal of Climate Literacy Freeport High School seniors, Class of 2026, receive their 2026 Maine Seals of Climate Literacy. A new generation of Maine students is demonstrating a commitment to understanding and addressing env…

Ski towns watching seasons shrink. Maine lobster boats chasing colder water north. California homeowners losing insurance to wildfire risk.

Climate change isn't a future problem for local economies. It's already here, reshaping the industries students will graduate into.

In a new piece for eSchool News, Lyra's Mary Seawell and Elizabeth Harbaugh argue that climate literacy belongs at the center of workforce readiness. Colorado's Seal of Climate Literacy is one way to get there, giving students hands-on experience with real local challenges and the durable skills employers are looking for.

Read the full piece: https://www.ecampusnews.com/teaching-learning/2026/05/18/to-support-the-american-workforce-prepare-students-for-a-future-reshaped-by-climate-change/

Shoutout to UndauntedK12, Ten Strands, California State PTA, and Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action. SB 1048 — California's Seal of Climate Literacy bill — just passed the Senate Education Committee unanimously and with bipartisan support.

Lyra is proud to stand alongside this coalition as the Seal continues to grow state by state. California students are one step closer to a credential that reflects the climate leadership they are capable of!

Add your name in support: 🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfN0jZ-uzeqI89CGMpH98m9yRL4HLpF17qeoTfHI6So61Je3g/viewform

More encouraging news for climate education — this time from Hawaiʻi. 🌺

HB1925, legislation to establish a Seal of Climate Literacy, passed the House Finance Committee unamended yesterday.

Lyra is proud to support this effort to expand opportunities for students to build the knowledge and skills needed to lead in a changing climate. As one advocate shared during testimony, climate learning can help transform “fear into empowerment” for young people.

We’re excited to see this work moving forward and grateful to the students, educators, and partners helping advance climate literacy across the islands. 🌱

We are celebrating a major milestone! 🎉 The Minnesota Youth Council voted unanimously to support the Seal of Climate Literacy legislation (HF3557 / SF3659). As the official voice of young people in Minnesota, the Council’s 36 middle and high school representatives advise state leaders on the issues shaping their generation’s future. Their unanimous vote sends a powerful message: students are ready for climate literacy to be prioritized and recognized.

Grateful for the leadership of Shreya Sekar, Feven Tesfaye, and Aili Schultz. Youth voices are leading the way. 🌎✨

Lyra is thrilled to share that we’ve been named a 2026 Best of Green Schools awardee by the Center for Green Schools and the Green Schools National Network! 🎉

The Seal of Climate Literacy received the “Movement of the Moment” award, and we couldn’t be prouder of the progress the Seal has made — first in Colorado and now the ripple effect across the country.

This recognition reflects the incredible work of our longtime and new partners who are helping make climate education and action systemic nationwide. We’re honored to be in such inspiring company with schools, organizations, and individuals leading the green schools movement forward.

🌎 Support Lyra this Colorado Gives Day!

Colorado’s students are leading bold climate solutions—from restoring habitats to protecting rivers to reducing wildfire risk through the Seal of Climate Literacy.

This Colorado Gives Day, your support helps ensure every young person—especially in rural and under-resourced communities—has access to high-quality climate education and the resources to bring their ideas to life.

Your gift powers:
✅ Student-led climate action projects
✅ Youth stipends & materials
✅ Expanded climate learning statewide

If you’re planning your giving, please consider supporting Lyra. Together, we can help Colorado’s young people shape a more sustainable future.

🔗 Donate or schedule your gift:
https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Lyra-Education