The Green Ribbon Schools award is given to select schools across the nation that The U.S. Department of Education (USED) recognizes as schools that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness, and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement.
Inspiring schools to achieve 21st Century excellence, the Green Ribbon Schools award will recognize schools that have achieved, or are making demonstrable progress toward:
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having a net-zero environmental impact;
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improving the health and performance of students and staff; and,
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ensuring the environmental and sustainability literacy of all the students
These three "Pillars" of the Green Ribbon Schools Award will serve as guideposts to make schools more productive, enriching, and efficient.
In addition to nominating schools for the award, Maryland will nominate one school district to be recognized for its efforts to achieve excellence in the three Pillars.
Maryland Application Materials
Maryland Application for District Award (New)
USED information
Maryland's participation in this award program is part of a larger USED effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about practices proven to result in improved student engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, as well as a government-wide initiative to increase energy independence and economic security.