Seal of Climate Literacy
The Seal of Climate Literacy is an optional diploma endorsement available to Northglenn High School students who complete a set of academic and real-world learning experiences centered on climate understanding and action. This endorsement helps prepare students to think critically about climate issues, engage in problem-solving, and connect their learning to community and future career opportunities.
What Is the Seal?
The Seal of Climate Literacy is a Colorado-recognized diploma endorsement that acknowledges students’ deep understanding of climate science, impacts, and solutions — paired with hands-on experience. It was established under Colorado state law in 2024 and allows local schools to define how students meet its requirements. At Northglenn High School, the Seal highlights students’ leadership and preparedness to address climate-related challenges in their communities and beyond.
Why It Matters
Earning the Seal shows colleges, employers, and community partners that a student has:
- Understood key climate science and societal implications
- Completed purposeful coursework
- Applied learning through action-oriented projects
This endorsement celebrates student initiative and prepares learners for future academic and career pathways that value sustainability, resilience, and civic engagement.
Seal Requirements:
To earn the Seal of Climate Literacy at Northglenn High School, students must complete three core elements:
1. Meet Graduation Requirements for Northglenn High School
2. Complete Required Courses:
- One climate-related science course (e.g., biology, earth science, environmental science)
- A second course that includes climate literacy standards — this can be in science, humanities, social studies, CTE, or other approved areas.
These courses may count toward regular graduation credits.
3. Complete an Intent to Apply form
4. Finish an Experiential Learning Project
Students must complete a final portfolio that demonstrates climate literacy in action and documents their process, experience, reflections, and connections to prior course work. Projects can be tailored to students’ interests and may include:
- Designing or participating in a community sustainability initiative
- Internships or apprenticeships related to climate or energy
- Advocacy campaigns or policy research
- Creative or digital media projects focused on climate themes
- School-based leadership projects around energy use, recycling, or ecosystem stewardship
Students must also present their work to subject matter experts.
Northglenn High School staff will work with students to provide mentorship during the project and to review students’ portfolios before their final submission. Students will also receive help from Northglenn High School staff and Adams 12 district coordinators in finding and organizing their presentations for subject matter experts.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Talk with your school counselor or Seal coordinator, Ms. Ellen Teags, about your interest.
Step 2: Plan your course schedule to include the two required courses.
Step 3: Develop a meaningful experiential learning project.
Step 4: Complete a project pre-approval form.
Step 5: Work in partnership with a faculty mentor to complete your project and develop your portfolio.
Step 6: Submit your portfolio and final application by the designated deadline for review and approval.
Northglenn High School will publish annual timelines, guidance documents, and course lists for students and families.
For more information, please see the district's FAQ page.
Students must complete two approved courses to earn the Seal. One must be a Science course; the other can be from any subject as long as it includes the Climate Literacy principles.
