September 12, 2025
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.
May 22, 2025
9News, Denver's leading local TV news station, covered the milestone moment when the class of 2025 became among the first Colorado high school graduates to earn the Seal of Climate Literacy — marking the transition of what began as a student-led advocacy campaign into a real, recognized credential on real diplomas.
October 15, 2025
NPR's Marketplace spotlights a first-of-its-kind HVAC training program in Eagle, Colorado — a partnership between R&H Mechanical and Colorado Mountain College — as a model for building the rural climate workforce. Lyra's own Elizabeth Harbaugh is featured in the piece, speaking to why rural communities can't be left behind in the clean energy transition. The article is the first in Marketplace's three-part 'Greener Pastures' series on rural climate workforce development in Colorado.
August 20, 2025
CPR reporter Jenny Brundin follows student activists — including Seal of Climate Literacy recipients from Alameda International Junior/Senior High School — as they push Colorado's State Board of Education to strengthen climate change references in science standards. The piece captures Lyra VP Elizabeth Harbaugh's perspective alongside student voices, weaving together the story of the Seal's first graduates and the larger fight for climate education in Colorado classrooms.
%20(4).jpg)
June 10, 2025
In its first year, the Seal of Climate Literacy has empowered over 400 Colorado students to learn about climate change and take real action in their communities through hands-on projects, adaptable curriculum, and local partnerships. From rural to urban districts, schools are tailoring the Seal to reflect community values—proving that climate literacy can thrive in diverse contexts and inspire the next generation of change-makers.
April 28, 2025
From removing wildfire-prone invasive species to researching fungi-based soil solutions, BVSD seniors are taking bold, innovative climate action as part of their Seal of Climate Literacy diploma endorsement.
May 7, 2024
More than 70 students gathered for the first-ever Colorado Youth Climate Summit in Carbondale - a powerful weekend of learning, leadership, and action where young people created Climate Action Plans and took bold steps toward shaping a more resilient future.
November 12, 2024
$750,000 grant from Jobs for the Future (JFF) and Ares Charitable Foundation will support 5,000 students in green skills education pathways over the next three years
May 1, 2024
Elevating Rural Colorado: The Colorado Rural Talent Network received $3 million to boost career-connected learning.
May 23, 2024
Lyra was a driving force behind the Seal of Climate Literacy diploma endorsement legislation in Colorado
September 19, 2024
We are thrilled to announce the Seal of Climate Literacy has won Colorado's Alliance for Environmental Education's (CAEE) Advancing Environmental Literacy Award.
April 12, 2024
The 74 article highlights Lyra's efforts to build climate-driven career pathways in Colorado’s rural communities through innovative education initiatives.
%20April%2017%2C%202024.jpeg)
April 17, 2024
Lyra hosted a design sprint with Jobs for the Future to expand green job opportunities in rural Colorado.
January 16, 2024
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.
April 22, 2023
As Denver’s innovation zone quarterback, we are deeply disappointed with the district’s decision to revoke innovation zone status for Beacon Network Schools.
May 29, 2022
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.
August 5, 2019
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.
September 15, 2020
In May 2020, Lyra teamed up with a coalition of partners to introduce the COVID-19 Education Innovation Fund.
April 22, 2023
McAuliffe Manual middle school, highlighted as a Colorado Cool School.
November 20, 2020
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.
July 1, 2023
Our first full-time employee, and the first CEO, of Lyra.
August 14, 2023
Lyra was thrilled to facilitate the opening plenary at the “Unlocking Pathways Summit” hosted by the Community College of Aurora.
November 17, 2023
Lyra had the honor of leading a session at the National Forum to Advance Rural Education on Friday in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
