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Building Climate Literacy for Minnesota’s Future
A proposed statewide high school diploma endorsement to prepare Minnesota students for climate leadership, workforce readiness, and civic engagement.
What is the Seal?
The Minnesota State Seal of Climate Literacy is a proposed high school diploma and transcript endorsement that recognizes students who demonstrate a strong understanding of climate science, systems thinking, and climate solutions. The Seal will highlight students who apply their learning through interdisciplinary coursework, community-based projects, and real-world problem solving related to climate and sustainability.
Students who earn the Seal show that they can analyze how climate change affects natural and human systems, evaluate solutions, and work collaboratively to address local and global challenges. The Seal provides an official, statewide recognition that signals to colleges, employers, and communities that a student has developed the knowledge, skills, and leadership needed to contribute to a resilient and sustainable future.
HOW IT WORKS IN MINNESOTA
The Seal of Climate Literacy is advancing in the Minnesota Legislature through Minnesota House File 3557 and its companion bill Minnesota Senate File 3659. The legislation would establish a statewide high school diploma and transcript endorsement recognizing students who demonstrate strong climate knowledge, systems thinking, and applied problem-solving skills. In the House, HF3557 is authored by Representatives Larry Kraft (chief author), Kristi Pursell, and Sydney Jordan, with a Senate companion led by Senator Steve Cwodzinski.
The Seal would recognize Minnesota students who complete interdisciplinary learning experiences and real-world projects that connect climate science with community resilience and solutions-focused problem solving. Building on climate, environmental, and career-connected learning already taking place across Minnesota schools, the Seal would create a shared statewide signal that graduates are prepared for college, careers, and civic leadership in a changing climate.
WHO IT’s FOR
Elevate climate learning already happening and support a flexible, statewide framework.
❋ EDUCATORS & SCHOOLS
Advocate for recognition of your climate learning, leadership, and action.
❋ STUDENTS
Advance a voluntary, equity-centered policy that strengthens education and workforce readiness.
❋ POLICY LEADERS
Support a climate-literate talent pipeline aligned with Minesota’s clean economy.
❋ INDUSTRY & EMPLOYERS
Preparing students for MINNESOTA’S climate-impacted economy
Minnesota students are experiencing the impacts of climate change firsthand—from increased flooding and extreme rainfall to heat, drought, and changing ecosystems that affect agriculture, water systems, and public health.
At the same time, Minnesota’s economy is undergoing a major transition. Clean energy, sustainable manufacturing, construction, transportation, and climate-resilient infrastructure are growing sectors supported by state investments and labor partnerships. Climate literacy is increasingly essential for preparing students to participate in this evolving economy and contribute to resilient communities across urban, suburban, and rural Minnesota.
Minnesota is a recognized national leader in climate action, with ambitious carbon reduction goals and a comprehensive statewide action framework. In 2024, the Minnesota Department of Education updated the state science standards to include climate change. The Seal of Climate Literacy builds upon this existing effort by ensuring that students are not just learning about climate change at school, but taking action in their local communities and being recognized for their efforts.
Part of a national movement
Minnesota is joining a growing national effort to recognize climate literacy as a core educational outcome—preparing students for climate-related careers, civic leadership, and community resilience.
MEET THE PARTNERS SUPPORTING THIS LEGISlATION
NATIONAL PARTNERUndauntedK12
A national climate policy and advocacy leader in K-12 education. UndauntedK12 advances the Seal across new states by aligning policy expertise, youth voice, and movement-building strategy.
Learn more at: https://www.undauntedk12.org/
NATIONAL PARTNERLYRA
Originators of the Seal of Climate Literacy and architects of its passage in Colorado. Lyra supports state implementation, resource development, and national strategy—grounded in local context and centered on rural and under-resourced communities.
Learn more at: https://www.lyracolorado.org/
MINNESOTA ALLIANCE WITH YOUTH
MINNESOTA PARTNERThe Minnesota Alliance With Youth is a Minnesota nonprofit that works to ensure all young people have the support and opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Through programs such as the Minnesota Youth Council and AmeriCorps initiatives like Promise Fellows and Groundwork Fellows, the organization partners with schools and communities to amplify youth voice, strengthen student engagement, and support academic success across the state.
Learn more at: https://mnyouth.net/
MINNESOTA YOUTH COUNCIL
MINNESOTA PARTNERThe Minnesota Youth Council (MYC) is the official statewide voice of young people in Minnesota state government. Created by state statute in 2013, the Council includes 36 middle and high school students from across the state who advise the governor and legislature on issues affecting youth. Council members work to amplify youth perspectives, review and propose legislation, and help shape policies that impact young people across Minnesota.
Learn more at: https://mnyouth.net/myc/
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Help shape the future of climate education in Minnesota.
Contact YOUR State REPRESENTATIVE