Annual Summer Institute - Children's Environmental Literacy Foundation

Annual Summer Institutes

Energizing and Innovative Professional Learning for K-12 Educators

CELF Summer Institutes inspire, educate, and reignite our collective commitment to educating for sustainability

This year’s CELF Summer Institutes focus on giving teachers space to reflect and re-energize together with peers. Teachers will explore concepts of sustainability that emphasize community well-being as the core to enabling meaningful learning for students. CELF supports teachers as they reframe and reflect upon their teaching practices to incorporate sustainability and civic engagement throughout the school year.  This approach ensures that our next generation is prepared with the systems-thinking mindset they’ll need to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.

Making it Happen for You!

Earn PD Credit

Depending on your state, or district, you can earn PD credits for completing the CELF Summer Institute. In-service credits are based on district policy.

Register with your Team of Colleagues!

Interactive, in-depth, and self-paced, CELF’s Institutes are designed for individual or school team participation that connect instructional practices to real-world applications and learning experiences.

If you join with a team, there is a discount on tuition. Please see the specific Summer Insitute Registration for more details.

Scholarships Available

CELF offers a limited number of full scholarships. Preference will be given to teachers applying from Title 1 schools and other needs-based applicants.

Administrator Email Outreach

Use this letter template to communicate the value of this PD with your administration as a professional learning experience that will benefit not only you, but your school, district and community. Feel free to customize and use it to request approval to attend the Summer Institutes.

Summer Institute Registration

CLOSED

NYC Civic Science Summer Institute: Narrating Our Place in Nature

Location: New York Botanical Garden
Dates: July 9 — July 11, 2024
Time: 8:30 am – 3:00pm ET



At the heart of our Summer Institute lies the power of storytelling. By weaving narratives of our relationship with nature, we not only educate but inspire action. Join us as we explore how storytelling can illuminate the connections between humans and the environment, driving positive change for a sustainable future.

Tuition: Free
Funded through the generosity of CELF supporters

Download Flyer


CLOSED

TX Civic Science Summer Institute: Integrating Zero-Waste Across School Culture

Location: Lone Star College—Kingwood, TX
Dates: July 9 – July 10, 2024
Time:
8:30am – 3:00pm CT


Join us as we delve into practical strategies and creative approaches for integrating zero-waste culture across school communities. We’ll explore how educators and administrators can lead by example and inspire students to become stewards of the environment, reducing waste and adopting sustainable practices.

Tuition: Free
Funded through the generosity of CELF supporters

CLOSED

NY Education for Sustainability Summer Institute: Exploring Sustainability through Local Farms and Green Spaces

Locations and Dates:
August 6: Hilltop Hanover Farm
August 7: Muscoot Farm
August 8: Lasdon Park

Time: 8:30 am – 3:00pm ET


Join CELF for a 3-day dive into sustainability.
We’ll explore local farms and green spaces to find ways to incorporate place-based experiences into your curriculum. Connect with nature, learn about sustainable farming practices, and reflect on the biodiversity of a botanical garden and arboretum.

Tuition: Free
Funded through the generosity of CELF supporters

Download Flyer

Past Keynotes & Guest Speakers

Susan Kaiser Greenland

Author/Teacher of Mindfulness for Children

Kate Raworth

Economist, Oxford University


Dr. Bertie Simmons

Author/K-12 Changemaker 

Karen Banda 

Environmental Justice Leader

 Tammie Lang Campbell

Founder, Honey Brown Hope Foundation

Shar-Day Campbell

Award-winning Communications Strategist

Lynne Cherry

Author/Founder of Young Voices for the Planet

Jaysa Hunter-Mellers

Youth Climate Activist 

 Jaime Gonzalez

Houston Healthy Cities

Dr. Maida Galvez

Mount Sinai PEHSU

Elizabeth Carlson

Tricon Energy

Luz Guel

Mount Sinai CEC

Tyler Knowlton

Plume Labs

David MacLean

Founder & President, McMac Cx

Eric Ascalon

Terracycle

Elizabeth Virgl

American Bird Conservancy

Nana Minta

Green Africa Youth Organization

Laurie Seeman

Strawtown Art & Garden Studio

Join our 2024-25 Civic Science USA Cohort for resources and support to elevate student inquiry!Learn More
Scroll to Top