This Colorado Newsline op-ed, written by Lyra CEO Mary Seawell, reflects on the first year of Seal of Climate Literacy implementation — with more than 425 students from 14 school districts earning the credential — and makes a direct call to educators, school leaders, and policymakers to expand the program. The piece highlights student stories from Hayden, Denver, and Boulder, and frames the Seal as a practical, non-partisan path to climate leadership in Colorado schools.

Lyra has advanced to the second round in a competitive national challenge, led by the nonprofit Jobs for the Future. Our efforts during this phase will focus on creating relevant resources and toolkits for integrating high-demand green skills into existing and emerging career pathways for K-12 students.

As Denver’s innovation zone quarterback, we are deeply disappointed with the district’s decision to revoke innovation zone status for Beacon Network Schools.

This month Colorado legislators passed Senate Bill 22-197 Innovation School Zones With Alternative Governance. The main purpose of the legislation is to establish a clear, fair process to resolve disputes that arise between local school boards and Innovation Zone schools.

Three years since its inception, Mary Seawell and Brett Alessi reflect on what they’ve learned about innovation zones based on their efforts with Luminary Learning Network.

In May 2020, Lyra teamed up with a coalition of partners to introduce the COVID-19 Education Innovation Fund.

A significant milestone for rural education collaboratives, Fort Lewis College, Pueblo Community College Southwest and five regional school districts have received $3.6 million in state funds through the state’s RISE grant program.

Our first full-time employee, and the first CEO, of Lyra.