Lead pollution, microplastics, environmental impacts of vaping, the effects of pesticides on the environment and human health, watershed restoration, saving the southern resident orcas, upcycling and reducing food waste. These are just some of the topics that students of all ages from across the state will present at the fourth annual Student Environmental and Sustainability Literacy Summit.
On January 28 and 29, 2025, Pacific Education Institute (PEI) and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will host the Summit in Lacey, Washington. Twenty-two student groups of all ages from around Washington State will convene to share environmental and climate science projects with state legislators, state agencies, community leaders, and each other.
The participating students come from five elementary schools, six middle schools and eight high schools. The student teams represent seven counties across Washington State: Chelan, King, Kitsap, Mason, Snohomish, Spokane and Thurston.
“The Environmental Literacy Summit is a powerful showcase of our students’ interests and leadership skills,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal. “These student teams work together to conduct research, prepare a presentation, and then share their findings with leaders from across the state. It’s an incredible experience for our students and an impressive representation of our public schools.”
Students will hear from a panel representing state agencies focused on education and environmental issues, including Dr. Michaela Miller, Deputy Superintendent, OSPI; Williard Bill Jr., Assistant Director, Office of Native Education, OSPI; Margen Carlson, Conservation Director, Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife; Micah McCarty, President, This is Indian Country; and Marianne Tompkins, Commissioner, Thurston Conservation District.
The day after the summit, each student team will have an opportunity to visit the state Capitol Building and meet with legislators from their respective communities.
“We’re hearing from teachers that the students are excited about presenting their work to the agency and community representatives who will attend the summit,” said Molly Griffiths, PEI’s Associate Director for the Puget Sound region and the event’s main organizer. “They’re eager to meet with legislators from their districts and share why this community-based approach to solving local issues is important to them and helpful for their education.”
This event is sponsored by South Puget Sound Community College, E3 Washington, Tumwater Walmart and Lacey Walmart stores through the Spark Good program, Zonta Club of South Puget Sound, Palattao Barnes Strategies and donors to PEI’s Give Local campaign through the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound.