2023 Climate Literacy Act
All young Rhode Islanders need the skills and knowledge to be competitive in the growing green and blue economies. The Rhode Island Climate Change and Ocean Protection Education and Workforce Development Acts (S-551 & S-558 / H-6105 & H-6106) will ensure that they are prepared for the challenges we face.
All Rhode Islanders deserve a healthy environment in which to live, learn, work, and recreate.
The Rhode Island Climate Change and Ocean Protection Education and Workforce Development Acts (S-551 & S-558 / H-6105 & H-6106) introduced by Senator Lawson and Representative Cortvriend will provide our youth with the skills and knowledge to be competitive in the growing green and blue economies.
Climate change and ocean protection education provides transformative learning experiences that provide a variety of benefits to students such as an improvement in academic performance (including test scores), critical thinking skills, and personal growth and life-building skills such as confidence and autonomy. Climate change education is supported by the majority of Rhode Island parents and teachers.
These bills create opportunities to provide educational programming and workforce training for a climate-resilient Rhode Island, including:
- Career exploration
- Marine science
- Apprenticeships
- Career and technical education
- Field experiences
- And more!
$1,000,000 of funding! Each bill calls for $500,000 of grants for community partnerships between K-12 schools, higher education institutions, community based organizations, and others to provide this essential programming.
At least 40% of all funds will be directed to low-income communities of color, who are likely to be more significantly affected by the impacts of climate change.
Action Items!
It is only when people speak up that real change can happen. Join with us to make sure that our emerging workforce is prepared for the growing green and blue economies:
- Individuals – sign our petition. (30 secs)
- Organizations – sign on to our letter of support. (2-3 mins)
- Invite your legislators to see your climate change and ocean-oriented programming in action. (varies)
- Contact Governor McKee (401-222-2080) and your own legislators (identify them here and find their contact information here) and encourage them to support the 2023 Climate Change and Ocean Protection Acts. Be sure to speak about your personal experience, either as a provider/educator or a participant in this type of programming. It really makes a difference! (5-10 mins to email; 2-3 mins to call)
- Join our Google group for updates and action alerts. (30 secs)
The education bill provides funding for climate change and ocean protection education for K-12 youth (in both in-school and out-of-school time settings):
S-558 – Senators Lawson (D-14), Lauria (D-32), DiMario (D-36), Cano (D-8), Britto (D-18), Murray (D-24), Valverde (D-35), Euer (D-13), and Mack (D-6)
H-6106 – Representatives Cortvriend (D-72), Carson (D-75), Donovan (D-69), Speakman (D-68), McGaw (D-71), Tanzi (D-34), Boylan (D-66), Handy (D-18), Spears (D-36), and Potter (D-16)
The workforce development bill provides funding for green and blue job skills training for young people ages 16+ (apprenticeships, career & technical education):
S-551 – Senators Lawson (D-14), Lauria (D-32), DiMario (D-36), Cano (D-8), Euer (D-13), Murray (D-24), Valverde (D-35), Britto (D-18), Gu (D-38), and Zurier (D-3)
H-6105 – Representatives Cortvriend (D-72), Carson (D-75), Donovan (D-69), Speakman (D-68), McGaw (D-71), Tanzi (D-34), Boylan (D-66), Handy (D-18), Spears (D-36), and Potter (D-16)