SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Green Alliance announced the opening of the 2024-25 application period for the Illinois Green Ribbon Schools Award.
Illinois schools can apply to showcase their achievements in environmental sustainability and education.
"Sustainability initiatives in schools lay a foundation for lifelong environmental responsibility,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “Illinois Green Ribbon Schools exemplify the innovative spirit and commitment to stewardship that we want to see in every learning environment. This program not only celebrates schools that are leading the way in sustainability but also inspires students to envision and create a better, greener future. We’re eager to see the impactful projects Illinois schools bring forward in this year’s applications."
"This program is not only a great way for schools to take a moment to take stock in all the hard work that has gone into making a school sustainable and celebrate, but it also is a great program to inspire the next school to take that first step in their sustainability journey," said Miranda Wright of Illinois Green Alliance. “We encourage all schools to take a look through the application, browse through past Illinois honorees’ stories, and plan for the sustainable future you want to see for your students and community.”
The Illinois Green Ribbon Schools program honors schools that excel in reducing environmental impact and costs, promoting health and wellness, and providing comprehensive environmental education.
Schools are assessed on their progress in each of the program’s three key pillars:
Reducing environmental impact and costs.
Improving health and wellness of schools, students, and staff.
Providing environmental education, which incorporates STEM, civic skills, and pathways to green careers.
The top applicants from Illinois will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools Program for national recognition.
The U.S. Department of Education usually announces its winners on Earth Day, April 22, and extends invitations to an award ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Schools interested in applying are encouraged to review information on ISBE’s Illinois Green Ribbons Schools webpage and view the informational webinar. All application materials must be submitted by 5 p.m. on December 20, 2024.
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