About Us

We envision a world where everyone feels empowered to take action in solving climate change. To create this future, climate action begins in the classroom.

OUR STORY

The Illinois Climate Education Hub began in 2023 as a partnership between SubjectToClimate and local organizations, including Climate Education for Illinois (CE4IL), Seven Generations Ahead (SGA), It’s Our Future: Youth Advisory Board, and the Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI). In 2024, Illinois passed PA 103-0837, requiring public schools to teach climate change by 2026–2027—a milestone driven by student advocates but left unfunded. To fill this gap, these partners created the Hub as a central space to equip teachers and students with the tools they need. Guided by a teacher-led committee, the Hub reflects the diverse needs of Illinois educators and supports bringing climate learning into classrooms statewide.

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Our Founding Organizations

Climate Education for Illinois is a group of concerned citizens (students, educators, parents, legislators) who believe that educating children about climate change is critical to empower them and their families to take action to address the Climate Emergency and to equip them for the jobs of the future. CE4IL helped to get a bill passed in Illinois that requires teaching of climate education in all Illinois public schools starting in 2026.

The Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI) was founded in 1972 with the aim to grow environmental education in the state. Today, EEAI nurtures and sustains a diverse network of environmental educators in Illinois. We foster connections, improve environmental literacy, and amplify underrepresented voices in the environmental education sphere. With a team of dedicated staff, engaged board, active facilitators, members and partners, EEAI offers support to a wide range of Illinois educators through professional development, grants, resources, and community.

Seven Generations Ahead works with communities to drive solutions related to climate, equity and sustainability. Through collaboration and local action, we are creating a world in which people and the planet are cared for and protected, for now and for generations to come.

It's Our Future, the youth program of Seven Generations Ahead, empowers Chicago area high school students to work together towards climate justice in their schools and communities.

Supporting Organizations

Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

If your organization is interested in partnering with us, please contact the state lead.

Our State Lead: Katie Nahrwold

Katie Nahrwold is a licensed kindergarten through 9th grade educator who has taught in a variety of settings from public schools to non-profit organizations. Her passion for environmental education extends into local community groups as the founder of Go Green Illinois Schools, Go Green Kenilworth, co-founder of North Shore Green Women and chair of her church’s green team. She has also worked as a school sustainability director and school outdoor classroom garden coordinator during which she achieved the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Award for her school in 2020. She is also passionate about the benefits of nature to one’s mental health and has worked as a Mental Health First Aid instructor in schools and communities supporting teens and adults.

: [email protected]

Working Committee Advisory Committee

Katie Nahrwold, Go Green Kenilworth, Go Green Illinois Schools, K-8 educator

Ryan Zaremba, Francis W Parker School

Alice Herz, Deerfield Public Library

Jeff Grant, Downers Grove North High School, Climate of HOPE

Sara Spitz, Heartwood Education

Scarlett Harper, Student