THe sage Initiative

Vision

The Sage Initiative is a solutions-based program (adapted from a University of California course) that aims to ground high school students in the realities of climate change through expert-taught lectures and complex and authentic students-led discussions, all within a holistic wellness context that empowers students to discover and implement solutions that interweave their skills, passions, and community’s climate needs.  

Structure

 The Sage Initiative engages high school students through two powerful learning methods: video and discussion.

  • 7 class periods (1 hour each): ~3.5 hours of UC’s Bending the Curve video lectures + ~3.5 hours of guided discussion.

  • Interdisciplinary focus: Each session explores a different facet of the climate movement, offering students a holistic understanding of climate change and combatting the common misconception of the climate movement as STEM focused. 

  • Active learning: Moderated discussions, guided questions, and interactive activities help students connect lessons to real-world experiences.

  • No extra homework: All content is delivered in class. Videos (15–25 min) leave ~30 minutes for meaningful discussion each day.

  • Flexible structure: The program can be adapted to fit different school schedules and needs.

Course topics

Climate change is a transdisciplinary issue, as such the solution should be transdisciplinary too, our course is reflective of this idea. Each day contains a topic question which experts then dissect from various perspectives. 

Day 1: Why is the Climate Changing & How Do We Slow It Down?
 Focuses on the science of climate change, giving students foundational knowledge. This is one of two science-focused days, since students are often already familiar with the basics.

Day 2: Why Should I Care?
 Explores the personal and community impacts of climate change, including connections between mental health and the climate crisis — a topic not often discussed in classrooms.

Day 3: Challenges to Solutions
 Examines barriers to effective climate action and what is currently hindering progress.

Day 4: Social Dimensions of Climate Change
 Introduces climate justice and injustice, analyzes successes and failures of past social movements, and explores the intersection of faith and climate action.

Day 5: Communication and Engagement
 Covers productive ways to talk with people who hold different views and introduces key government climate initiatives, such as the Paris Agreement.

Day 6: Spotlight on Solutions
 Focuses on specific climate solutions, including nuclear energy and carbon sinks, giving students concrete examples of actionable strategies.

Day 7: Social Movements and Collective Action
 Continues the focus on social aspects, encouraging students to consider how collaboration, advocacy, and community action can drive meaningful change.