The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition award honors schools and districts that are exemplary in reducing environmental impact and costs; improving the health and wellness of students and staff; and providing effective environmental and sustainability education, which incorporates STEM, civic skills and green career pathways.  The recognition award is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education (ED) effort to identify and communicate practices that are proven to result in improved student engagement, higher academic achievement and graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, as well as energy independence and economic security. ED-GRS began in the 2011-2012 school year. For the five years since, the annual award has been presented to 299 schools and 52 high-performing districts across the United States.

Five North Carolina Public Schools and two Districts have received the Green Ribbon Award nationally. 

If you have a school or district that you feel would be elligible contact the NCDPI Coordinator.  Deadline for the completed submittal to the NC Department of Education is February 25, 2018 for the 2017-18 ED-GRS School or District Awards.   The links below will give you an overview of the program and assist in the preparation of the application subimttal.

For any questions email Ron Collier, NCDPI Green Ribbon Coordinator, at [email protected].