Addressing Climate Change through Education
In the United States, systemic racism has for generations disproportionately disadvantaged those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and 2020 further exposed the interconnected societal inequities -- from health care to housing to education -- that have oppressed and limited opportunity for communities of color and those living in poverty. Teach For America's mission is to work alongside students and families to change unjust educational systems faced by students experiencing racism and/or poverty and to inspire leadership in all sectors that will work toward equity for our communities.
As we begin 2021, our nation’s K-12 school infrastructure is in severe disrepair, energy inefficient, and unprepared to adapt to climate change. America’s K-12 schools urgently need support to address their contributions to climate change, to leverage their enormous potential to prepare our youth for the climate-related opportunities and challenges of the future, and to promote environmental justice, educational equity, and global competitiveness.
To help address this reality and create a stronger, more equitable future, Teach For America is launching a new programmatic track focused on the intersection of educational, environmental, and racial justice: the Bay Area Climate Fellowship. To join this fellowship, you will first need to apply join the Teach For America corps (link to apply below). As a Fellow, you will serve as a Teach For America corps member in a local preK-12 school working everyday to provide opportunities for your students and understanding the challenges inherent in our existing education system. You will also be invited to special engagements with leaders in the climate space, learn from schools and districts that have taken steps towards sustainability, and examine resources that build your skills and perspective in the fight for environmental justice.
To join the inaugural Bay Area Climate Fellowship, you must apply to Teach For America by Friday, March 5. In advance, we invite you to schedule a 1:1 conversation with our team and/or join a special event on Monday 2/22 with Dr. Elizabeth Bagley, TFA '02 alum and current Director of Drawdown Learn at Project Drawdown.
As we begin 2021, our nation’s K-12 school infrastructure is in severe disrepair, energy inefficient, and unprepared to adapt to climate change. America’s K-12 schools urgently need support to address their contributions to climate change, to leverage their enormous potential to prepare our youth for the climate-related opportunities and challenges of the future, and to promote environmental justice, educational equity, and global competitiveness.
To help address this reality and create a stronger, more equitable future, Teach For America is launching a new programmatic track focused on the intersection of educational, environmental, and racial justice: the Bay Area Climate Fellowship. To join this fellowship, you will first need to apply join the Teach For America corps (link to apply below). As a Fellow, you will serve as a Teach For America corps member in a local preK-12 school working everyday to provide opportunities for your students and understanding the challenges inherent in our existing education system. You will also be invited to special engagements with leaders in the climate space, learn from schools and districts that have taken steps towards sustainability, and examine resources that build your skills and perspective in the fight for environmental justice.
To join the inaugural Bay Area Climate Fellowship, you must apply to Teach For America by Friday, March 5. In advance, we invite you to schedule a 1:1 conversation with our team and/or join a special event on Monday 2/22 with Dr. Elizabeth Bagley, TFA '02 alum and current Director of Drawdown Learn at Project Drawdown.
Actions to Get Started
MEET WITH A TFA ALUM Learn more about this new Climate Fellowship by scheduling a meeting with Teach For America alum Salma Nabi ('13). SCHEDULE A MEETING |
APPLY TO TFA Create a profile to start your application to Teach For America. To join the 2021 corps and Climate Fellowship, you must apply by Friday, March 5th. APPLY NOW |
Driving Educational & Environmental Justice, Featuring Dr. Elizabeth Bagley
Hear from TFA Alum ('97), former district leader, & co-founder of UndauntedK12: