Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Initiative

SMCOE co-chairs this network with community-based environmental education partners (CBEEP). The purpose of this network is to foster collaboration between nonformal/informal environmental education providers and the formal education system, to build capacity and consistency in programs alignment, and to further integrate environmental literacy into districts and schools. Learn more about the CBEEP Network.

Environmental Field Trips and Experiences Brochures: Find program descriptions, program fee information, standards alignment, and contact information for community partners, all at the right grade level for your students! TK-2nd Grade, 3rd-5th Grade, 6th-8th Grade, 9th-12th Grade

Most years, the Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Initiative (ELSI) team will host gatherings for adult stakeholders, and another for youth leaders. These annual gatherings create the space for networking, problem-solving, and exchanging innovative solutions that are driving environmental and social transformation across school communities, and opportunities to connect with community based partners. Learn more about past events: Annual ELSI Gathering for Adults (last hosted in February 2020) and Annual Youth Gatherings (last hosted in March 2022).

The Solutionary Teacher Fellowship (formerly called the San Mateo Environmental Literacy Collaborative Teacher Fellowship (SMELC)) is a knowledge-to-action program that builds teacher capacity for designing and delivering learning experiences that are student-centered, problem-project-based, solutions-oriented, and integrates real-world environmental justice issues. Teachers who participate in this fellowship are eligible for a stipend ($1,000 per semester) and continuing education units (CEU). To learn more, visit the Environmental Solutionary Teacher Fellowship Program.

This knowledge-to-action program supports administrators to drive environmental transformation across their school community to embed environmental literacy and become climate-ready. Future cohorts will begin in fall and graduate in spring. To learn more, visit the Administrator Fellowship Program.

The purpose of the San Mateo County Sustainable and Climate Resilient Schools Challenge is to identify students, teachers, administrators, and community members who are leading meaningful change in the Campus, Curriculum, or greater community, and to recognize them for their impact towards creating a sustainable future. Standout leaders from this program are eligible for a financial reward. Visit the Sustainable and Climate Resilient Schools Challenge to learn more - applications are open annually in the Spring.

The purpose of this network is to support school district leaders in addressing their community needs to be climate-responsive and prepare for a changing environment in a way that increases their capacity and resources. Through the network, school districts will work collaboratively with a range of organizations who will offer technical assistance to help districts transform their campus facilities and operations to be green and climate-ready. Learn more about how schools can take advantage of connecting with partners in the SCRS Partnership Network.

The Youth Climate Ambassadors (YCA) Leadership Program brings 9-12th grade students from across San Mateo County together to take climate action into their own hands. In this year-long knowledge-to-action program (fall to spring), student leaders build background knowledge on pressing environmental issues and then develop and implement projects that drive change within San Mateo County. Throughout the process, students gain a diverse set of skills related to sustainability, climate action, and overall solutionary leadership. To learn more, visit the Youth Climate Ambassadors site.

The San Mateo County Zero Waste Education Alliance (ZWEA) is a collaborative network of organizations leading waste reduction efforts in San Mateo County school programs. The San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) serves as a central convener for bringing together this network of Zero Waste Education Partners (non-profit or governmental education organizations, hauler companies, school green champions). The purpose of this network is to foster collaboration, build best practices and messaging, and integrate into districts and schools on zero waste topics. To learn more, visit the Zero Waste Education Alliance (ZWEA) site.