Denver seeks $3.7 million increase for school climate programs
The proposed expansion for Denver Public Schools would fund clean-energy academies, paid internships, student-led projects and garden programs, with under-resourced students a priority.
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Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency is seeking a $3.7 million increase to its agreement with Denver Public Schools, raising the proposed total from $480,000 to $4.18 million and extending the term through Feb. 6, 2032. The city’s request proposes that the expanded scope and budget take effect Dec. 18, 2026, using Denver’s Climate Protection Fund.
The proposed programs combine climate education with career preparation. They include renewable-energy and electric-vehicle academies, paid internships in clean energy and related fields, and a Climate Champions program that would fund at least 10 student-led climate projects each year. The request also proposes garden and horticulture programming at up to 60 schools, along with work on sustainable purchasing, waste reduction and student transportation.
The programs would be citywide or district-wide, with under-resourced students a priority. The request does not identify participating schools.