Green Schools Go Big!

In what is perhaps the biggest demonstration of support yet for the green schools movement, over two-thirds of the nation’s states formally signed up to participate in the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools program. Only in its pilot year, this resounding manifestation of support is uniting state departments of education, health, environment and safety to advance the goals of sustainability, environmental literacy and health in our nation’s schools. And don’t think this initiative is exclusive to one area of the country; 17 of the participating states have a Republican governor, 16 have a Democratic governor and 1 has an Independent governor, respectively.

If your school is located in one of the lucky 34 states nationwide, then you have an incredible opportunity to be named one of the greenest and healthiest schools in America! Modeled on the bipartisan success Blue Ribbon Schools program, which awards schools for academic excellence, the Green Ribbon Schools Program will recognize schools that excel in environmental literacy, sustainability facilities and operations, and improved student and staff health. Several states already have their applications out for review and potential submission; the remaining bunch will release their versions in the coming weeks. So if you are interested in winning this prestigious award or have questions, please feel free to contact the Green Ribbon Schools program or our Education team. Earth Day Network is proud to be at the forefront of this initiative with our partners, and we look forward to helping schools apply in the coming months. Good luck!