The Hazard Education, Awareness, and Resilience Task Force (HEART Force)—an award-winning collaboration between the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) and Climate Adaptation Partnership (CAP) partner Western Water Assessment—has been recognized as a Colorado Water Education Exemplar.

HEART Force engages rural Colorado middle and high school students, teachers, and communities to take proactive steps in preparing for and responding to natural hazards.

This recognition comes as part of the Statewide Water Education Action Plan (SWEAP), a guide for Colorado water educators working to achieve shared outcomes that align with the Outreach, Education, and Public Engagement goals of the Colorado Water Plan. Through the “Water Education Exemplars” project, SWEAP is identifying and showcasing 100 successful examples of water education across the state to help the public better understand and make informed decisions about Colorado’s water resources.

A ready-to-release review of HEART Force will be included among the first 15 Exemplars submitted to the Colorado Water Conservation Board by November 4. The project also involves collaboration with the Colorado Water Center, Water Education Colorado, and the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education to ensure educators statewide can access this first-of-its-kind evaluation.

The Colorado Water Education Exemplar badge recognizes programs that advance water literacy among young Coloradans. Each selected program undergoes review against the Guidelines for Excellence in Environmental Education (national standards) and supports the goals of the Colorado Water Plan.

HEART Force’s innovative work continues to strengthen water and hazard education across Colorado. Congratulations to the CEEE curriculum developers and all partners whose efforts earned this distinguished recognition.