10,545 school buildings • 730 million ft² of buildings • 1.6 million MT of CO2 emissions* per yr
California has clear, ambitious statewide climate goals.
But without leadership and a clear vision, districts risk making scattered, poor investments with current and future resources for school infrastructure.
We are working with advocates, policy makers, state and local leaders to align funding and technical support for healthy, equitable, climate-resilient school infrastructure.
Climate Adaptation and Resilience at California’s K–12 Schools: Actions and Recommendations for State and District Leadership
Our new policy brief, Climate Adaptation and Resilience at California’s K–12 Schools: Actions and Recommendations for State and District Leadership, outlines the urgent need for state and local leaders to act quickly to protect schools from climate risks.
New toolkit: resources and lessons learned from districts leading on climate resilience
UndauntedK12, Ten Strands, and CCEE collaborated on a resource toolkit to help California school leaders build climate resilience by learning from neighboring districts leading the way in extreme heat planning, stormwater management, and grid resilience.
Standing with Communities in Southern California Battling the LA Wildfires
We’ve curated resources for education leaders making decisions amidst the unprecedented uncertainty, volatility, and destruction of the LA wildfires.
We’re asking the Governor and the Legislature to fund climate resilient schools.
We remain steadfast in our resolve to drive action that dramatically reduces greenhouse gas emissions and to protect our communities, schools, and children from the increasing threats from extreme weather.
California Students Push for Solar Schools and SB 1374
On September 5th, hundreds of students across California allied in support of SB 1374 and solar at schools.
We’re on the Governor’s Desk!
Last February, the California Legislature introduced three new bills aimed at advancing healthy, sustainable, and climate-resilient schools. We are thrilled to announce that these three bills are now on Governor Newsom’s desk, awaiting his signature.
California Youth Climate Policy Fellowship Kicks Off 2nd Annual Cohort
This August, we launched the second annual cohort of the California Youth Climate Policy (CYCP) Fellowship in partnership with Ten Strands and the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter.
Spotlight on: Santa Barbara USD’s Microgrid
As part of our partnership with CCEE and Ten Strands, we’re shining a spotlight on Santa Barbara Unified School District’s Microgram, which will save $17 million over 28 years while protecting critical school infrastructure like freezers, internet, and emergency shelters from power outages.
UndauntedK12 supports Proposition 2, California’s School Infrastructure Bond
UndauntedK12 and Ten Strands support Proposition 2, California’s first state-wide school bond to acknowledge the impact of climate change and the need to align school spending with our mitigation and adaptation goals.
SB 1182 and SB 1374 advance through the Senate and head to the Assembly
Our bills to protect solar at schools and make California the first state in the country with a plan for climate-resilient schools both passed through the Senate and are now with committees in the Assembly.
Applications are open for our Youth Climate Policy Program
Share the application link with young people in your network, or email us with nominations. There are also opportunities to serve as an adult mentor, if you’re interested.
A new partnership with the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence
We have a new partnership with the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) and Ten Strands to support district and county leaders with resources and tools for climate resilience.
Our ‘24 Agenda for Climate Ready California Schools
This year, we’re working on bills, bonds, and big ideas to advance climate resilient schools in California’s legislature.
UndauntedK12 Accepts 2024 “Best of Green Schools” Award on Behalf of the California Climate Ready Schools Coalition
We were honored to accept the Best of Green Schools, Michelle Curreri Collaborator Award on behalf of the California Climate Ready Schools Coalition at the March 2024 Green Schools Conference in Santa Fe, NM.
Championing a Revolving Loan Fund and Technical Assistance Program
Read our letter about how California’s Green Bank can support a just transition to school decarbonization.
2024 Budget brief outlining six priorities for the California legislature and Governor
UndauntedK12 is excited to release a 2024 budget brief outlining a plan for the Governor and Legislature to build climate-resilient schools and protect the health and learning of every student in California amidst a changing climate.
Empowering Youth Leaders: California Youth Climate Policy Leadership Program
This July, we launched the California Youth Climate Policy Leadership Program in partnership with Ten Strands and the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay.
Virtual Policy Forum: Protecting Student Health and Learning with Heat-Resilient Schools
RSVP here for a virtual policy forum about what California policy makers can do to advance equitable access to climate-resilient school infrastructure on December 12, 2023.
The fight to keep solar at schools affordable
California’s Public Utility Commission (CPUC), is considering changes to the way solar is aggregated on sites like schools, farms, and multifamily housing. These changes would reduce the cost savings of solar by 75%, and we are actively fighting their adoption.
Our Statement on Governor Newsom’s veto of SB 394
Governor Newsom’s decision to veto a bill that would have helped schools get the upgrades they need is a misstep in a state that makes claims to lead on climate and equity.
Selected State Policies and Resources
State Auditor: School Facilities Program (2022)
Legislative Analyst's Office: Climate Change Impacts Across California: K-12 Education (2022)
CDE: Blueprint for Environmental Literacy (2015)
CDE: Schools of the Future Report (2011)
CA Climate Adaptation Strategy (2021)
CA Extreme Heat Action Plan (2022)
* The carbon emissions we estimate above are related specifically to operating school buildings.