Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — The Pennsylvania Departments of Education, Environmental Protection, Conservation and Natural Resources honored 10 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon (ED-GRS) schools across Pennsylvania in recognition of their efforts in environmental sustainability.
“Pennsylvania’s Green Ribbon Schools demonstrate their commitment to promoting environmental awareness in classrooms and teaches students and communities how we are all responsible for protecting our environment,” said Secretary of State. acting education Eric Hagarty.
“This mission is interconnected, and we commend these schools for helping students actively engage in environmental sustainability practices and raising their awareness of the world around them.”
Spring-Ford Area School District and Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania were recognized as 2022 ED-GRS schools, and officials also honored 2019, 2020, and 2021 winners in the first in-person ceremony since the pandemic.
The schools have also been recognized by the Commonwealth’s Pathways to Green Schools scheme.
“These schools are teaching the next generation to be stewards of the environment and to protect our natural resources and public health,” said DEP Acting Secretary Ramez Ziadeh. “Saving energy, reducing waste and saving money are all linked, and these schools are setting an example for others.
Since 2011, the ED-GRS program has nominated schools, districts, and higher education institutions across the country for their commitment to reducing environmental impact and costs, improving school health and wellness and to provide environmental education to students.
“Our goal is to ensure that all schools in Pennsylvania are healthy, environmentally friendly places to learn and work,” said DCNR Assistant Secretary for Administration Michael Walsh. “Connecting with nature and spending time outdoors is an important and necessary part of the educational experience for all children. We congratulate the schools honored today and encourage educators and students across the Commonwealth to pave the way to a more sustainable future.
Winners show progress in the following areas: reducing environmental impacts, such as waste, water, greenhouse gases and transportation; improve health and well-being by taking into account air quality, lighting, thermal comfort, school nutrition and outdoor physical activity; and deliver effective environmental and sustainability education that emphasizes hands-on, real-world learning, civic engagement, STEM connections, and preparation for a green career.
The 2022-23 application for the ED-GRS program and the PA Pathways to Green School nomination cycle opens today.
All applications must be submitted online to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, along with all additional materials, by 6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 12, 2023.
For more information on U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon schools, visit the U.S. Department of Education website.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Casey Smith, EDP
Wesley Robinson, DCNR
Neil Shader, DEP
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