Kosis Ifeji
18 | Bangor | Bangor High School
Co-chair of the Nature Based Education Consortium’s Climate Education Policy Advocacy Working Group
Leading a grassroots campaign in support of state legislation to fund climate change education in Maine’s public schools
Speaking out for climate action and climate justice at rallies and public hearings
Kosis is the co-chair of the Nature Based Education Consortium’s Climate Education Policy Advocacy Working Group. Kosis and her group identified that Maine’s public-school students lack adequate education on the causes, impacts, and solutions to climate change. Kosis led an effort to ensure climate education was included in the Maine Climate Council’s top recommendations.
Going a step further, Kosis and her team organized a climate education summit to bring students, teachers, and allies together to develop solutions. The concept for a $3 million climate education policy emerged, and the group developed legislation to meet the needs of Maine students and teachers. Kosis played a key role in getting the bill introduced and passed at the Legislative Council, ensuring strong support at the public hearing, and strong votes in the House and Senate. The bill received strong support in the legislature and was funded at $2 million and was signed in to law by Governor Mills. Kosis is a demonstrated leader who works effectively with partners of all ages.
Kosis developed a creative solution and mobilized students and teachers statewide in support of their cause. Kosis is a proud person of color who hopes to serve as a role model for other people of color to use their voices to fight for what they believe in.
