Colectiva Bilingue

Colectiva Bilingue supports Spanish Dual Language programs within Minneapolis Public Schools through advocacy, community-building, and equitable resource-sharing. Our Bilingual Climate Action initiative focuses on holistic environmental education in elementary schools, including Las Estrellas Dual Language School in the Sheridan neighborhood.

We provide bilingual environmental learning opportunities such as cafeteria composting, recycling programs, school gardens, air quality monitoring, and initiatives promoting bicycling to school. These efforts aim to instill a lifelong appreciation for nature and environmental stewardship among students.

With support from the Seedlings Program, we aim to expand our impact by funding third-grade environmental field trips and enhancing school gardens at Las Estrellas, Green Central, and Emerson elementary schools. These schools serve a predominantly Latino student body, with many students receiving English Language Learner services and free/reduced-price lunches.

The field trips, held at North Mississippi Regional Park in partnership with Carl W. Kroening Nature Center, provide hands-on environmental lessons tied to Minnesota science standards. Students will keep nature journals in Spanish and English to document seasonal changes. The funds would cover transportation, naturalist fees, and winter gear, ensuring all students can participate in outdoor activities year-round.

Additionally, funds support school gardens with essentials like soil, seeds, and tools, fostering hands-on learning and healthy eating habits. We aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge to understand and advocate for environmental justice, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by climate issues.

Colectiva believes in the transformative power of outdoor education to promote stress management and emotional well-being among students. Integrating environmental education into bilingual curricula empowers the next generation to connect with and protect their natural surroundings.