Empowering Youth Climate Action: Kirk Anne Taylor Highlights CAPS' Transformative Work in School Districts
Veteran CAPS interns lead a training for new student interns to share the projects they’ll be working on over the coming school year. June 2022.
California is leading the way toward leveraging the state’s immense education sector infrastructure to fight climate change. With historic investments in creating more climate-resilient schools, young people are aligning with momentous efforts to propel climate action into the national spotlight. Legislative action and statewide coalitions are also mobilizing behind greener campuses, putting the state at the forefront of climate action.
Climate Action Pathways for Schools (CAPS) provides career education and workforce readiness programs for high school students that help them develop and execute projects that mitigate climate change in their school district, resulting in more equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities. More than a year into her work as CAPS executive director, Kirk Anne Taylor has witnessed the incredible work being done by CAPS students and partners in driving climate action in schools. With support from a passionate and diverse board and network of partners and advisors, CAPS is poised to grow its work into new districts across the state in the coming year. In this interview, Kirk Anne reflects on the organization’s impact on students, schools, and the planet and looks ahead as CAPS prepares to expand.
What has been the major highlight of your first year as CAPS Executive Director?
My first year as Executive Director has been nothing short of inspiring and rewarding. I have had the privilege of witnessing the incredible work being done by CAPS students and our partners in the Porterville pilot program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while learning skills to prepare for meaningful and impactful future sustainability careers.
If I were to choose one major highlight from this past year, it would be the impact our work has had on the students in our program. Seeing their growth, passion, and dedication to creating positive change has been incredibly fulfilling. It is a testament to the power of education and the potential of each young person to make a difference.
What has it been like working with the CAPS network such as the school districts, board, and advisory council?
I sincerely appreciate the hard work and dedication demonstrated by everyone involved: our incredible team, including the staff, board, and advisory council; our school district partners; and, of course, the students themselves. These connections, combined with the knowledge that CAPS is positively impacting students, communities, and the planet, have made the ongoing work of building this new and growing organization all the more rewarding. As we move forward into the coming years, I am excited to continue our mission of preparing the green workforce of the future while building more climate resilient schools.
CAPS students gather feedback on their school's climate action plan. August 2022
Why is now such a critical time for everyone to come together around this work?
The timing is ripe for the work CAPS is undertaking. We find ourselves at a pivotal moment where historic investments for climate action and workforce development are being made at both the national and state levels. The combination of these investments, the ongoing innovation in clean energy, and legislative action will collectively fuel an increased focus on climate action in California.
However, we also recognize that there is a lot of work to be done. Public schools represent one of the largest sources of infrastructure in the state. California has more than 10,000 public K–12 schools, including thousands of buildings that total over 730 million square feet; however, an estimated 40% of these schools are over 50 years old.
We’re also facing a challenge of how to mobilize our workforce to fill the green jobs needed to power this transition. If we are to achieve our climate goals, we must continue to push for coordinated efforts that promote responsive, equitable investment in energy, infrastructure, and climate justice. CAPS is uniquely positioned to help schools prepare students for green careers while also addressing school infrastructure needs to meet the state's climate commitments. By ensuring that these and future endeavors are aligned, we can make significant strides toward a sustainable and just future for all.
How has CAPS been expanding its work and impact?
Over the past year, CAPS has successfully formed new partnerships with Lindsay Unified School District, Modesto City Schools, and Morgan Hill Unified School District.In each new school community, CAPS takes a tailored approach to its strategies and programs. Recognizing that every school has its unique context and needs, we are engaging in a co-creation process with educators, administrators, and students to ensure that its initiatives are effectively aligned with each school community’s unique needs. By doing so, we can maximize our impact and provide targeted support to students, helping them to succeed in their educational and career journeys.
To further enhance its programs and adapt to the changing landscape of employment, CAPS has sought the expertise of Accenture, a renowned consulting firm. Currently, CAPS and Accenture are collaborating on a green skills gap analysis. This analysis is assessing talent supply and market demand for green jobs in California. The results will help us further evolve our career pathway programs to ensure that the students we serve will acquire the necessary skills to meet the new and evolving responsibilities critical to the growing green job sector.
How has CAPS work led to change within the schools you serve?
By working toward decarbonization in alignment with state law, we can ensure that every district takes proactive steps to reduce its carbon footprint. This not only helps combat climate change but also sets a powerful example for students and the community.
Access to technical assistance plays a crucial role in supporting schools on their path to sustainability. By providing the necessary expertise and resources, we can help school districts to implement sustainable practices effectively. For example, we might assist by providing guidance on energy-efficient infrastructure upgrades or support on monitoring energy usage. Such changes not only contribute to a healthier environment but also provide educational opportunities for students to gain job skills in clean energy technologies.
How does CAPS contribute to a more resilient and equitable climate future for California students?
The impact of climate change on schools and students cannot be ignored. When students struggle to make sense in the face of uncertainty, climate resilient schools offer hope for the future.
CAPS helps schools take on projects that have immediate and real impacts on the climate and health of school communities. At the same time, we are preparing students for high-quality, well-paid jobs that the workforce of the future requires. We support students in becoming agents of change in their communities. This approach addresses economic disparities and facilitates the transition to a more sustainable and resilient society.
Kirk Anne Taylor in Porterville with CAPS students. March 2022.
