Lyra had the honor of leading a session at the National Forum to Advance Rural Education on Friday in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The annual event was hosted by the National Rural Education Association, an educator-led organization committed to maintaining the vitality of rural school systems across the country. 

Lyra’s session, titled “Addressing Climate Change in Rural Colorado through Transformational Education Opportunities”, featured members of the Lyra team, partners from Empower Schools, Yampa Valley Partnership for Students, Stewardship, & Sustainability (S3), and a former student participant in ECI at Fort Lewis College. The panelists took turns sharing their unique lenses on creating, implementing, and participating in rural climate-education pathways to 20 attendees.

Of particular note were the responses of two of Climatarium’s local partners: Jessica Counts, Executive Director of S3, and Royce Hinojosa, a student at Colorado College. Counts shared honest challenges and innovative solutions for rallying four communities, with diverse views and needs, around sustainability. As a product of rural education herself, she emphasized the strength and resilience of rural communities to adapt to new and changing circumstances.
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“Let's face it - we are not all the same, and that's a good thing. While we might not always call things by the same name, through S3 we have agreed that we share a kindred reverence around a few important things: taking care of our kids, caring for our environment, and supporting our communities. Students. Stewardship. Sustainability.” - Jessica Counts

Hinojosa shared his experience growing up in rural Southwest Colorado, and emphasized the importance of climate education for his understanding of his community and himself. His answers were especially impactful, as they gave a glimpse into the most important perspective in the room: that of a student. In the words of Empower Schools’ Partner and Co-Founder Brett Alessi, “if Royce is any indication of the eloquence and drive of the next generation, then I think our world is in good hands.”

The two day event attracted nearly 800 virtual and in-person attendees, all converging on Tennessee with the goal of sharing knowledge and inspiration for rural educators in all 50 states. Teachers, school administrators, institutes of higher education, district leadership, and students were among the audience for sessions over the course of two packed days.

In addition to Lyra’s session, there were over 50 other workshops and panels, and keynotes from Joe Sanfelippo, Jenny Maras, and Hamish Brewer.

Learn more about Climatarium hub Yampa Valley Partnership for Students, Stewardship and Sustainability here. 

Learn more about Empower Schools here.