Maryland has many schools that have learned how to save energy and reduce costs; provide a healthy environment for students and staff; and promote environmental literacy. Now those schools will have the chance to be nationally recognized.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has joined the National Green Ribbon Schools Program, recently launched by the U.S. Department of Education. As a result, MSDE has begun a statewide search for outstanding environmental schools.

"The greatest privilege we have in our short time on this planet is to make the world a better place for the next generation," said Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley. "Maryland has become a national leader in public education and in giving our children the tools they need to build a more sustainable future. We are pleased that our schools will get an opportunity to be nationally-recognized for their efforts to create a cleaner, greener and healthier planet."

Maryland Interim State Superintendent Bernard Sadusky said he expects a great deal of interest in the new Green Ribbon program. "Our schools have long felt a connection to the world around them," Dr. Sadusky said. “The outdoors is a natural extension of the classroom for many of our students. We look forward to participating in this valuable program."

Public and private schools are eligible for the honor, patterned after the long-running National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. The U.S. Department of Education took several months designing the program, calling this first competition a “pilot year.”

Maryland has developed a national reputation as an environmental education leader, and this year became the first State in the nation to include environmental literacy as a graduation requirement. The State currently boasts 398 “green schools,” and 32 “green centers,” designations bestowed by the Green Schools and Centers Initiative sponsored by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education. Schools gain that recognition by using the environment as context for learning, demonstrating best management practices, and establishing community partners.

The new federal Green Ribbon Schools program encourages schools to:

• Implement energy conservation measures that pave the way for reduced environmental impact, cost savings, and job creation;
  
  
• Undertake environmental and behavioral changes in schools that ensure the health, wellness, and productivity of students, teachers, and staff, and;
  
  
• Promote environmental education that supports students’ strong civic skills, environmental stewardship, and workforce preparedness.

MSDE will release applications in mid-December. Interested schools will complete the applications and submit them to MSDE for review by February 27, 2012. After review of the applications, MSDE will nominate up to four schools to the U.S. Department of Education for the Green Ribbon designation. At least one nominee will be from a public school with a 40 percent economically disadvantaged population, and at least one will be a private school. 

Honorees will be announced next April.