The Maine Seal of Climate Literacy
The Maine Seal of Climate Literacy diploma endorsement prepares and empowers students with environmental literacy, traditional ecological knowledge, climate action, and green workforce skills. The Seal was launched in 2026, structured on the foundation of Colorado's Seal of Climate Literacy program, established in 2024. Join the effort in preparing our future leaders to tackle climate challenges and support Maine communities today!
To achieve this diploma endorsement, Maine high school students must meet the following criteria as determined by their local School Administrative Unit (SAU):
1. Any two high school courses with a focus on climate and environmental literacy concepts and standards.
This may include, but is not limited to, earth science, Wabanaki studies, environmental-focused humanities, biology, or environmental studies. At least one course must include strong elements of traditional ecological knowledge. SAUs should work with students to determine what will qualify.
2. Students must complete an experiential project that demonstrates and publicly communicates their understanding of environmental literacy, green career exploration, and/or place-based climate action.
This project can range from a school compost campaign, engagement with local public policy, to data collection with community organizations, to green job exploration, and anything in between. SAUs should work with students to determine what will qualify.
Experiential Projects
The project is an opportunity for students to explore their own passions beyond the classroom. This project should be locally relevant to climate literacy and should have a publicly communicated element. As a result of these projects, students can have a meaningful impact on their communities and develop important career skills.
Examples of projects could include:
- Starting a schoolwide composting program.
- An apprenticeship or Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) with a high-performance carpentry business.
- An internship measuring aquaculture water quality with a local non-profit organization.
- Developing an environmental justice social campaign or film for youth supporting Wabanaki Sovereignty.
Awarding Process
The Maine DOE will offer wooden medals and certificates bearing the Seal of Climate Literacy to all the diploma endorsement recipients. SAUs are welcome to host ceremonies to celebrate their Seal recipients.
The Maine Seal of Climate Literacy Student Guide provides resources for students interested in incorporating the Seal into their schools! There are recommended steps, email samples, flyer templates, and more.
The Maine Seal of Climate Literacy Coordinator Guide provides resources for approving the Seal, supporting students with their classes and projects, awarding the Seal, and more. In the guide, there are recommended steps, examples of classes/projects, and talking points for approving the Seal!
Thank you so much for your help in creating a more climate-literate future!
Traditional Ecological Knowledge
If you are an educator interested in incorporating more traditional ecological knowledge into your curriculum or courses, here are some resources to get started!
- Wabanaki Studies DOE
- MOOSE Wabanaki Studies Learning Progression
- EnGiNE Courses: Teach Climate Across Wabanaki Homelands and Wabanaki Studies
Brianne Lolar
Wabanaki Studies Specialist
Phone: 207-816-0733
Email: Brianne.Lolar@maine.gov
- 2025-2026 List of Classes
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AP Environmental Science, Biology, AP Biology, Honors Biology, AP Human Geography, Early College US History, Earth Science, Honors Earth Science, Honors Earth and Physical Science
- 2025-2026 Experiential Projects
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Student Representative of the Bar Harbor Climate Task Force, Sea Level Rising Public Awareness Campaign, Ocean Acidification Research, Community Science with Mast Landing School, Addressing the Impacts of Fast Fashion, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) Monitoring, Green Crab Monitoring, Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Fisheries, North Atlantic Right Whale Conservation, Working Waterfront Access, Clam Recruitment Monitoring, Forest Soil Microbiome Research
How to Approve the Seal
School Administrative Units (SAUs) are responsible for approving the Seal of Climate Literacy. SAUs may determine which courses, standards, and experiential projects, and which achievable standards within those areas, meet the criteria. The Maine Department of Education will support SAUs in implementing the Seal of Climate Literacy through resources, communications, and the celebration of student achievement. SAUs and their students may partner with community-based non-profit organizations, local businesses, and higher education institutions.
Why the Seal Matters in Maine
Maine is on the front lines of climate change. Students are growing up amid sea level rise, coastal erosion, intensifying storms, drought, wildfire risk, and heat impacts that affect water systems, housing, food security, and cultural resources. At the same time, Maine is investing in a clean energy transition, climate-resilient infrastructure, conservation, sustainable tourism, and local food systems. Climate literacy is essential to preparing students to participate in these sectors and contribute to resilient communities statewide.
Contact
Teddy Lyman
Climate Education Specialist
Email: Theodore.Lyman@maine.gov