Best of CASE District III Award
 

Institution: University of South Florida

Title of entry: 2024 USF Climate Teach-In

About this entry: The 2024 USF Climate Teach-In was a weeklong, student-led series of over 20 events held April 1–7 across the University of South Florida Tampa campus, engaging more than 300 students in conversations and activities focused on climate solutions. As part of the Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Week, the USF Climate Teach-In provided a platform for students, faculty, and community partners to share research, creative works, and actionable strategies for addressing climate issues. Events included an art gallery showcasing student work, public lectures on sustainability, a marine science lab, a farmer’s market, and interactive discussions on climate policy and action.

Florida is particularly vulnerable to climate challenges, facing threats to health, food security, natural disasters, and economic stability. The USF Climate Teach-In made information accessible by fostering collaboration between students and experts in an engaging, real-world context. The event’s structure encouraged students to take ownership, develop leadership skills, and apply what they learned to campus and community initiatives.

Sponsored by the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College, the 2024 USF Climate Teach-In inspired students to launch environmental projects, advocate for campus sustainability resolutions through student government, and build lasting partnerships with environmental organizations. The Climate Teach-In model is both replicable and iterative — by 2025, it will be entirely student-run — demonstrating how universities can empower students as initiative leaders. By efficiently utilizing campus resources, leveraging student-led programming, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the event maximized impact while reinforcing USF’s commitment to student success.