Students attending Climate Stewards class

Course Structure

WSU Extension > Climate Stewards > Course

Coursework, speakers & field learning

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Climate Stewards seeking change

The Climate Stewards course is designed to ground you in communication, current climate science and Washington policy while giving you the tools to impact change in your community.

The six-unit course* is covered in ten weeks and is comprised of:

  • Online education materials, assignments and quizzes
  • Regular meetings (virtual) with guest presenters, interactive discussions and activities
  • In-person field learning experiences in select counties

*Licensed from UC Climate Stewards. The curriculum was adapted to Washington with input from WSU and UW faculty and staff plus the Washington State Climate Office.

Online Course Units:

Woman holding the earth with caption "how to not be depressed about climate change"

Community Connections

One of the central goals of Climate Stewards is to bring climate change topics to our communities through trauma-aware education and communication so people can once again experience nature as healing and nourishing as they work to build climate resilience. In this first unit, Community Connections, we draw attention to some vital aspects of relationships that support our work as Climate Stewards.
Book cover "taking the War out of our Words"

Climate Communication

As a Climate Steward, you hold a unique and dual role. You are both a member of a community – a relationship that emphasizes similarity and connection around shared interests and values – and a communicator, educator, and interpreter in and for the community. In this Unit, we emphasize the role of communicator/educator/interpreter.
Chart on understanding global change

WA Climate & Earth Systems

This is the first of two units on climate science. As Climate Stewards, we are working toward community and ecosystem resilience to climate disruption. Many climate communicators are most comfortable when they feel grounded in the basics of climate science. We present those basics here, and offer Deeper Dive! material for those who wish to learn more. This unit focuses on Earth and Climate Systems.
Washington state map

WA Ecosystems

In this unit, we continue the science focus in terms of ecosystems and human systems. As in the last science unit, we want to cover the important points to give you a foundation from which to communicate clearly and confidently. We present the basics here and offer optional Deeper Dive! material for those who wish to learn more. The science we provide in this unit will give you the basic understanding you need to feel comfortable with your own knowledge and to speak with intelligence and accuracy.
Protesters holding signs with Our Planet Our Future featured

Community Resilience

As Climate Stewards, our goal is resilient communities and ecosystems in the face of climate disruption. As we do this work, it is important to keep in mind that climate stewardship is an ongoing process, with resilient communities and ecosystems as the desired outcomes we are aiming for. In this unit, we will develop appropriate stewardship proposals centered on Mitigation, Adaption & Resilience in order to achieve the desired outcome.
Student project titles

Stewardship Project Presentations

In this unit, you will spend some time on your stewardship project presentation. Over the units of this course, you have learned that a key to connecting with people in your communities is pairing the right information with the appropriate communication techniques. Presenting your stewardship project to your course cohort is perhaps your first chance to put this knowledge to real world use. 

Guest Speakers

Guest Speaker talking to class

Climate Stewards classes meet regularly (in-person or virtual, depending on class location). These classes are facilitated by WSU Extension team members and features guest presenters.

In past classes, we have had speakers with the following backgrounds:

  • Engagement Climatologist, Washington State Climate Office (WASCO)
  • Chemical Engineer focused on reducing industrial emissions
  • Award winning non-profit leaders who focus on community preparedness
  • Educator from the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
  • Chemical Oceanography specializing in inorganic carbon levels in the ocean
  • Extension specialist in Community Food Systems & Pollinator Stewardship

Presenters vary based on class location and change from session to session.

Field Learning Experiences:

Climate Stewards’ focus is on building resilience in their community. A great way to begin that process and cement your online and classroom learning is to get out in the field. We host events to give you practical knowledge of activities – and people – in your county who share your climate concerns and are taking action in ways large and small. (Note: Field Learning Experiences vary based on location and class session)

Class at Mt. Vernon Library

Green Buildings & Solar Projects

(Skagit County)
Field learning at Padilla Bay

Padilla Bay Estuarine Research Reserve

(Island County)
Group at Skagit Soil

Composting and Water Quality

(Skagit County)
Deception Pass Bridge

Searise at Deception Pass

(Island County)
Class in Anacortes Forest

Anacortes Forest Lands

(Skagit County)
Group at Creek Hydro

Creek Hydro Alternative Fuels

(Island County)
Project titles and authors from first class

Student Projects

In completing the course, students apply their Climate Stewardship learnings to support their areas of interest.

At left are some of the titles of student projects from a recently completed course.

Is Climate Stewards for me?

The Climate Stewards course is for people who want to take action on climate change through engaging with people and organizations to develop plans to make their community more climate resilient.
The course work is relevant for:

  • The General Public.
    Climate Stewards gives you the climate knowledge and communication tools to be more effective in having climate conversations with policy makers.
  • Environmental Professionals.
    Climate Stewards can provide professional development with Washington-specific information on climate and gives you foundational principles to be a more effective climate communicator when engaging with the public.
  • Teachers.
    Want to leverage your skills to create a better climate-informed public? The Climate Stewards course is a great place to start. Ask us about applying the course for clock hours in Washington State.
Climate Stewards class picture

Spring 2026 Climate Stewards Classes:

Duration

  • Weekly classes are Thursdays 6:00 – 8:00pm via zoom
  • Classes start Thursday April 2nd
  • Final class is Thursday, June 4th
  • Graduation in person, Saturday June 6th
  • Details on Field Learning Experiences & in-person classes
    provided at the first session

Pricing

  • 10 week course: $225.00
  • Early Bird Special! $175.00
    (If payment received before March 5th)
  • Limited Scholarships are available.
    To see if you qualify, fill out the Application Form (follow the arrow below) and enter the word ‘Scholarship?’ in the email heading. A Course Coordinator will contact you for further information.

Interested? Next Steps

Complete the attached form and a Course Coordinator will contact you with further details.

Apply for Climate Stewards in 2026