U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS)

Purpose

The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School Program recognizes early learning centers, schools, districts, and higher education institutions that conserve environmental resources, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect school and community health, foster wellness, and offer environmental and sustainability education. The recognition award is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about practices proven to improve student engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, as well as a government-wide aim to increase energy independence and economic security.

Each applicant must submit the following:

• ED-GRS Application for ALL Maryland Applicants
  

• Nominee Presentation Form, specific to the type of application:

  • Nominee Presentation Form for all District Applicants
    

  • Nominee Presentation Form for all K-12 School Applicants
    

  • Nominee Presentation Form for all Early Learning Center Applicants
    

  • Nominee Presentation Form for all Postsecondary Institutions
    

Application Window

This application window will be open on Friday, September 9, 2024 and close on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 5:00 pm EST.

Changes to the Application

No changes to the Narratives for Pillars or the Maryland Green Ribbon Rubric were made to the application, though the Summary Narrative is shortened from 2-3 pages to 200-300 words in line with requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education.

Estimated Number of Nominees

Maryland can nominate as many as five pre-K-12 early learning centers, schools or districts to the U.S. Department of Education for recognition. If more than one nomination is made, at least one must serve at least 40 percent of students from a disadvantaged background. No more than one nominee may be a private school.

Additionally, Maryland may nominate one Institution of Higher Education.

Applicant Review Criteria

MSDE and the Maryland ED-GRS Review Committee review all applications using the Maryland Green Ribbon School Scoring Rubric.

Applicant, Nominee, and Awardee Notifications

MSDE notifies applicants of whether they are nominated in February. The U.S. Department of Education announces its awardees near Earth Day in the end of April.

Customer Service Support Sessions

MSDE will hold three customer service support sessions for interested applicants. During these sessions, MSDE personnel will overview the ED-GRS program and application, what applicants need to get started, and answer applicants’ questions.

Questions

If you have questions about the application or the process, please contact:

Payton Hesse
Environmental Literacy Specialist, Office of Instructional Programs and Services
Office: (410) 767-0323
payton.hesse@maryland.gov