The U.S. Department of Education Wants Your Feedback on the new Green Ribbon Schools Program

Have you shown an interest or been following the events with respect to new Green Ribbon Schools Award program? If so, the U.S. Department of Education would like YOU to give your feedback on their proposed plans for this incredible initiative. This is the first time the federal government has launched a comprehensive green schools initiative, and you can contribute to it!!

From now until September 14, the U.S. Department of Education will be accepting public comments and feedback on the program. Anyone can participate, and we encourage students, teachers, administrators and schools across the nation to submit their thoughts to the U.S. Department of Education. The Green Ribbon Schools Award program intends to recognize schools that are greening their curricula, buildings, grounds, operations, and community with the ultimate goal of advancing sustainable schools and increasing environmental literacy among students and teachers nationwide.

The award program will be looking for high levels of achievement in three categories: 1) environmental impact and energy efficiency; 2) healthy environment; and 3) environmental literacy. In other words, the award seeks to recognize schools that are implementing the successful practice and pedagogy of sustainability education in their various school communities.

Earth Day Network, along with the Campaign for Environmental Literacy, the National Wildlife Federation and the U.S. Green Building Council, worked with multiple organizations across the country for nearly a year to make this program a reality. As a result, the first recipients of the Green Ribbon Schools Award will be announced for Earth Day 2012! The U.S. Department of Education hopes to get the nomination process finalized by the end of this month, so your school should start planning now for the upcoming application period. Have questions? Feel free to email our Education Department at [email protected] for any answers. We look forward to seeing your comments and efforts to promote green schools nationwide.

Give your feedback on the Green Ribbon Schools Award program here or continue to follow the Green Ribbon Schools movement here on Facebook!!!!