This August, the British Council, in partnership with the California Air Resources Board and the Will Steger Foundation, will launch the Climate Generation School Leadership Program. This is a school based competition connecting environmental curriculum with climate action projects. High Schools in California and Minnesota are eligible to participate in the program.

Why should we participate?

• Opportunity to work together as a team to do something positive for your school
• Gain exposure to international network of climate projects
• Be eligible to participate in the Student Leadership Program
• Be eligible to receive grant funding for your project
• Educator professional development opportunities in Climate Education**
• State-wide and national recognition
• Participate in publicity and media events
• For submitted projects, each student will receive a participation certificate
• Have access to:
  • Partner and project database of non-profit organizations and existing projects willing to assist with project implementation at your school
  • Project planning tools
  • International projects
  • Climate and environmental curriculum and lesson plans

How it works:

• Between August and February 2011, schools or classrooms must register their intent to participate in the program on the Climate Generation website
• There is no cost to participate
• Schools or classrooms will then engage in a climate action project related to one of these topics areas:
  • Energy Conservation
  • Renewable Energy
  • Water Conservation
  • Transportation
  • Purchasing
  • Facilities
  • Awareness/Communication
• Projects must be completed by April 1, 2011, when project reports must be submitted for judging
• The winning projects will be announced in May 2011
• Winning projects will have the opportunity to receive project funding and/or other awards (see below for additional awards and participation incentives)
• Must complete a project that benefits your school and the environment in order to be eligible for project grants

To qualify you must:

• Complete participation/registration form (available on-line in August 2010)
• Classroom or School in grades 9-12 (High School)
• School-affiliated groups are also eligible to participate (i.e. environmental clubs)
• Must have a teacher or school-affiliated mentor for each project

Awards and Participation Incentives:

• Up to $5,000 in Total Grants (per state) will be awarded to winning classrooms; grant size per winning classroom will depend on project scope and available prize funds.
• Certificates awarded to every student who is involved in a submitted project
• Plaque for each winning school/classroom
• Press event for winning classrooms with high profile individuals in attendance
• Educator professional development opportunities in Climate Education
• Youth Leadership Program
• Funding and partnership resources
• Donated trips
• International programs and networking with other schools and climate projects internationally
• Scholarships and internship opportunities for your students
• Highlights on partner organization websites/newsletters
• Other local/regional opportunities to be identified

Learn about the British Council Climate Champions Program.