The PA Association of Environmental Educators Thursday announced nominations for the 2014-15 Green Ribbon Schools are now being accepted by the Department of Education through December 8.

“On behalf of Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq, we are pleased to announce that the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will once again participate in the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools program and will open the application period to public and private schools in Pennsylvania to apply for this national recognition.

“The Green Ribbon Schools program was launched by the U.S. Department of Education to recognize schools that save energy, reduce operating costs, create environmentally friendly learning spaces, promote student health, and provide environmental education to incorporate sustainability into the curriculum.

“According to the guidance released, Green Ribbon Schools will have achieved or made considerable progress toward the three pillars established in the program:  1) energy efficient buildings and reduced environmental impact and costs; 2) improved health and wellness; and 3) effective environmental and sustainability education. 

“The combined achievement in these three areas will be the basis for the Green Ribbon Schools award.  For more information on Green Ribbon Schools Program, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website.

“This marks the fourth year of the program.  Last year, PDE received 13 applications from schools seeking nomination for the Green Ribbon Schools Award and two applications from school districts seeking nomination for the District Sustainability Award. 

“From those applicants, one school and one school district were nominated, with one nominated and receiving an award from the U.S. Department of Education.

“We are also excited to be able to extend this opportunity to our postsecondary institutions this year, as the initiative now incorporates higher education.  Similar to last year, all public and private schools in Pennsylvania are eligible to apply. 

“Per U.S. Department of Education guidance, schools and districts that have received U.S. Department of Education awards in prior years are not eligible to apply again.  Guidelines also permit school districts to apply for an award to recognize work across multiple school buildings.”

For more information and to nominate your school, visit the Pathways to Green Schools website.

10/27/2014