The Cooler Communities Project provides opportunities for public discussion around climate change solutions. Through student engagement embedded in curriculum work and related community fairs, the project highlights actions that individuals, households, and communities can take to reduce carbon emissions, with particular emphasis on wise use of energy. The goals of the project are:

• To empower K-12 students and celebrate their contributions to climate change solutions.
• Offer incentives for teachers and students to study climate change solutions within existing curriculum requirements.
• Lower the carbon footprints of communities throughout Massachusetts.

A major feature is the participation of K-12 students in a community fair at which they showcase what they have learned through lessons – based in STEM, ELA, history, and the arts – and teach their community about the most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions. School districts that participate in Cooler Communities Fairs receive grants of up to $5000. Presented in collaboration with community partners, each Cooler Communities Fair features climate-friendly vendors, exhibits, workshops, speakers, and family friendly activities.

A teacher-developed Curriculum Guide is provided by Cooler Communities.