Dept. Of Education Now Accepting Applications for Pennsylvania’s Green Ribbon Schools

In an effort to boost environmental literacy and sustainability across the Commonwealth, the Shapiro Administration announced applications are now being accepted for the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) and the PA Pathways to Green Schools awards.

The deadline for nominations is January 12.

Each state may nominate up to five Pre-K-12 schools, early learning centers, or districts, and one postsecondary institution for the annual ED-GRS program. 

USDE then selects and announces awardees in the spring. Eligibility requirements are located on the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools website.

“Green Ribbon Schools help learners become stewards of their environment and their communities,” said Interim Acting Secretary of Education Angela Fitterer. “By participating in this program, schools are signaling their commitment to preserving our ecosystem and providing hands-on learning opportunities that have real-world impacts.”

Apply Now

Pennsylvania schools, districts, and institutions of higher education are invited to submit their self-nomination materials for the 2023-24 the ED-GRS program and PA Pathways to Green Schools Program awards via the dual application, available on the PDE website.

"Exposing students to effective environmental education plays an important role in promoting conservation and environmental stewardship," said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. "The Green Ribbon Schools program serves as a model for developing innovative environmental education programming and environmental leadership. We are proud to see the program help school districts across the Commonwealth start on the path towards a more sustainable future."

ED-GRS nominees must show progress in the following areas: reducing environmental impacts, such as waste, water, greenhouse gases, and transportation; improving health and wellness with consideration to air quality, lighting, thermal comfort, school nutrition, and outdoor physical activity; and offering effective environmental and sustainability education that emphasizes hands-on, real-world learning, civic engagement, STEM connections, and green career preparation.

“Pennsylvania schools have been very competitive in the Green Ribbon Schools selection process each year and we look forward to continuing this growing tradition,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “This initiative is key in preparing future generations for positive environmental stewardship. We encourage schools in the Commonwealth to apply for this distinct recognition aimed at promoting sustainability, STEM knowledge, and improving the health and wellness of students and staff through outdoor activities.”

Since 2011, the ED-GRS program has recognized schools, districts, and institutions of higher education across the country for their dedication to reducing environmental impact and cost, improving the health and wellness of school communities, and providing environmental education to students. 

In 2024, 24 states nominated 55 honorees, in the following categories: 10 districts, 42 preK-12 schools (including early childhood learning centers), and 3 postsecondary institutions. 

In Pennsylvania, the following education entities received national recognition: 

-- Rowan Elementary School, Cranberry Township, Butler County

-- Green Woods Charter School, Philadelphia

-- Reading Senior High School, Reading, Berks County

[Click Here to read more about these schools.]

Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Pathways to Green Schools webpage to apply.

For more information on U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools webpage.

Environmental Funding Opportunities

The Shapiro Administration is committed to improving school infrastructure and providing safe, healthy learning spaces for learners of all ages. 

Governor Shapiro has secured $275 million in his first two budgets to fund school infrastructure repairs, including heating and air conditioning upgrades, window replacement, lead and asbestos abatement, solar installations, and other improvement projects.

In 2024, PDE drove out $75 million to 109 Pennsylvania school districts, career and technical education centers (CTCs), and charter schools through the Department of Education’s new Environmental Repair Grant Program to eliminate lead, mold, asbestos, and other environmental hazards. 

Additionally, DCED drove out $175 million to 208 public school districts and career and technical schools for critical safety and environmental repair projects through the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program — ensuring facilities are modern, safe, healthy, and conducive to learning.

The Governor and bipartisan group of legislators built on that progress by including another $25 million for DCED Solar for Schools in the 2024-25 budget. 

[Posted: December 16, 2024]  PA Environment Digest