Massachusetts is now accepting applications for the 2018 Green Ribbon Schools Awards. The program honors schools that are exemplary in reducing environmental impact and costs, improving the health and wellness of students and staff, and delivering effective environmental and sustainability education that incorporates science, technology, engineering and math; civic skills; and green career pathways. Applicants may enter the competition as either a school or a district. Massachusetts will select one or more schools or districts to be honored at the state level; those honorees are then elevated to the U.S. Department of Education, where they will have the opportunity to be honored as a national Green Ribbon School winner. Applications are due by March 15. For more information, visit ESE’s Green Ribbon Schools website.
Green Ribbon Schools Award
Launched by the U.S. Department of Education in 2011, the Green Ribbon Schools recognition program honors schools that are exemplary in reducing environmental impact and costs, improving the health and wellness of students and staff, and delivering effective environmental and sustainability education that incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), civic skills, and green career pathways. Applicants may enter the competition either as a school or as a district. Massachusetts will select one or more schools or districts to be honored at the state level; those honorees are then elevated to the U.S. Department of Education where they will have the opportunity to be honored as a national Green Ribbon School winner.
Important Dates for the 2018 Award
- Thursday March 15 – School and district applications due to Massachusetts ESE
- Friday March 30 – Massachusetts announces state award winners and submits nominees to U.S. Department of Education
- Earth Day (Sunday April 22) – Honorees announced by U.S. Department of Education
- Spring/Summer – Honorees awarded at a U.S. Department of Education national ceremony
Resources
- U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Program
- Green Strides – resources to help you “green your school.” Sign up for the Green Strides newsletter and/or view archived newsletters.
- Project Green Schools