Emma Wordsmith
The U.S. Department of Education unveiled the 2024 recipients of the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees today.
A total of 41 schools, 10 districts, three postsecondary institutions, and one early learning center nationwide are being commended for their innovative initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, cutting utility costs, enhancing health and wellness, and providing quality sustainability education. These distinguished individuals were selected from a pool of nominees representing 24 states. Notably, half of this year’s awardees are situated in underserved areas.
Furthermore, a state education official is honored with the Director’s Award this year. The recipient for 2024 is George Garcia from the California Department of Education.
“The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools honored this year are driving educational transformation in states to ensure that all students across diverse communities have access to comprehensive learning environments,” emphasized U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “From early learning centers to postsecondary institutions, this year’s awardees reflect a diverse range of educational settings. Significantly, half of them are located in underprivileged communities. These accolades symbolize the dedication of numerous students and countless hours of effort invested in schools and college campuses, promoting equitable access to sustainable and healthy learning spaces where students are equipped to tackle present and future sustainability challenges.”
This announcement coincides with the White House’s hosting of the inaugural Summit for Sustainable and Healthy K-12 School Buildings and Grounds, taking place today from 1-3:30 p.m. ET. Both the public and press have the opportunity to tune into the program’s livestream, which will spotlight the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to providing fair access to energy-efficient, climate-resilient, and health-supporting school facilities that facilitate learning and well-being.
The summit aims to raise awareness about the crucial need for fair access to sustainable school infrastructures in the 21st century and the significant impact facility conditions have on students’ health, overall welfare, and educational achievements. It will also shed light on federal resources and commitments that reinforce sustainable school buildings and infrastructure.
Moreover, the Department recently launched a new series of publications called ED Infrastructure and Sustainability Notes this spring, featuring essential sustainability concepts and practices adopted by schools nationwide in concise formats. Explore the initial several Notes on the ED Infrastructure and Sustainability page, under resources, covering topics such as the Framework for a Sustainable School, The Education Sector in Climate Action, School Environmental Justice as Social Justice, How School Operations Influence the Environment, and School Grounds and the Outdoors.
Here is the list of the 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees, and Director’s Award recipients:
Additional Information:
For more details on the federal award, access resources that support the transition to sustainable school practices. Review the comprehensive list of selected schools, districts, colleges, and universities with their nomination packages documenting progress in meeting award criteria. Dive into a report highlighting the achievements of the 56 honorees.
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