Sustainability & Climate Justice

Welcome back to school! We are so excited for another year working with our students, teachers, parents, and partners to bring sustainability, climate justice, and climate action to PPS.

Throughout the year, this newsletter will be a space for us to share amazing stories about sustainability and climate action across PPS schools, to talk about district-wide climate policy, and to share events, opportunities, and more that we think the PPS climate community might be interested in.

This month, we're kicking off by highlighting some timely and really amazing ways that students can access FUNDED pathways to climate action and leadership this school year.

We are thrilled to announce the Climate Friendly Public Schools program which will provide $10,000 per school, per year for student-led climate projects with an additional $5,000 available to support staff advising and central coordination of program development. Funding is provided by the Portland Clean Energy Fund and is available to all schools that serve grades 6-12, so it will apply to all middle schools, high schools, and K-8s. The program will run for the next five years!

If this sounds like something you'd be excited about, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Read through the program guide and FAQs at pps.net/studentclimateprojects.

• Step 2: Over the next month, gather together with classmates, school clubs, friends, or teachers to brainstorm ideas for projects. Remember, the most important criteria for a project is that it be student-chosen, student-led, and connected to climate change and climate justice.

• Step 3: Submit a very short Intent to Apply form, which is due Friday, Oct. 18. We'll provide some feedback on your project so that you can submit a final proposal by Friday, Nov. 15.

• Step 4: Find out you were approved, receive project funds, and begin work on your project!

For interested teachers, school staff, and community members:

We are also looking for Student Climate Project Advisors (SCPAs) -- school-based staff, who will support, advise, and empower student leaders throughout the project process. If you are a teacher or other school staff member interested in advising students on this project, let us know by filling out this project advisor interest form.

If you are a school community group, or non-profit community partner and are interested in being involved with student projects this year, please let us know by emailing sustainability@pps.net and we can connect you with guidance on how to participate and how to get connected with student projects related to your work.

Calling all student leaders! Join the Climate Justice Youth Advisory (CJYA)!

The PPS Climate Justice Youth Advisory (CJYA) is made up of dedicated and passionate high school students from across the district and acts as thought partners in defining the Climate Justice department's goals for climate action, student leadership, and community engagement.

As a CJYA member, you will get to have direct involvement with district leadership and decision making around PPS climate work and get to work with students from other high schools to develop district-wide climate justice campaigns and events. Advisory students will meet Wednesdays from 4:30 - 6 pm.

Previous CJYA teams expressed interest in

• Providing support for student-led climate projects across the district;
• Creating connections with climate community partners;
• Planning and leading climate actions and climate justice workshops for students;
• Coordinating the PPS Spring Climate Summit, and more!

To join the CJYA, please fill out this application form! Please submit your application by Friday, September 20, 2024.

For more information, or if you have feedback or questions, please email: climatejustice@pps.net.

Learn more at pps.net/climatejustice

Calling all student leaders! The Climate Crisis Response Committee (CCRC) is seeking a Student Representative.

The CCRC advises the PPS Board of Education on implementation of the Climate Crisis Response, Climate Justice and Sustainable Practices Policy.

The CCRC meets about once a month on Thursday evenings to provide insight and feedback for the District in setting goals and milestones, and engage with public comment about opportunities and challenges related to the Policy.

To join the CCRC, apply here! Please submit your application by Friday, September 20, 2024

For more information, or if you have feedback or questions, please email: climatejustice@pps.net.

Learn more at pps.net/climatejustice

We are also looking for Student Climate Project Advisors (SCPAs) -- school-based staff, who will support, advise, and empower student leaders throughout the project process. If you are a teacher or other school staff member interested in advising students on this project, let us know by filling out this project advisor interest form.

If you are a school community group, or non-profit community partner and are interested in being involved with student projects this year, please let us know by emailing sustainability@pps.net and we can connect you with guidance on how to participate and how to get connected with student projects related to your work.

Calling all community leaders! The Climate Crisis Response Committee (CCRC) is also seeking community representatives.

The CCRC advises the PPS Board of Education on implementation of the Climate Crisis Response, Climate Justice and Sustainable Practices Policy.

The CCRC meets about once a month on Thursday evenings to provide insight and feedback for the District in setting goals and milestones, and engage with public comment about opportunities and challenges related to the Policy.

To join the CCRC, apply here! Please submit your application by Friday, September 20, 2024