The U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) award is intended to recognize those schools taking a comprehensive approach to greening their school. A comprehensive approach incorporates and integrates environmental learning with maximizing positive environmental and health impacts. The award criteria are intended to focus on measurable outcomes wherever possible.
This is a two-step process. The first step is to complete and submit the online application in order to be selected as a state nominee. If your school is selected, you will be asked to complete the second step of the process by providing additional information for the nominee package that will be forwarded to the U.S. Department of Education.
Application reviews will be based on the applicant's demonstrated progress towards reaching the goals of each of the three ED-GRS Pillars, which are:
- Pillar I: Environmental Impact and Energy Efficiency
- Pillar II: Healthy School Environments
- Pillar III: Environmental and Sustainability Education
Four items which are important to keep in mind as consideration is given to applying to become a nominee:
- These are ambitious goals and few, if any, schools are expected to have achieved all three, or perhaps even 100% of any of the Pillars.
- Schools demonstrating exemplary achievement in all three Pillars will receive the highest ranking.
- It is important to demonstrate concrete achievement, using quantified measures, wherever possible.
- Additional documents supporting your answers may be requested.
Guide to Completing the California State Green Ribbon Schools Award Application (DOC; 143KB; 23pp.)
This guide includes the full application. You are encouraged to use this guide to develop responses before you begin the online applicaiton.
Online Application (Outside Source)
Once you begin the application you may save and return to it at any time until you hit the "submit" button.
Resources to Assist in the Completion of the Application
Framework (XLS; Outside Source)
Based on the three Green Ribbon School Pillars and Elements.
U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (Outside Source)
Civil Rights, Health, Environment, and Safety Statutory and Regulatory Requirements (DOC; Outside Source)
Additional Resources Provided by the U.S. Department of Education (DOC; Outside Source)
Frequently Asked Questions Provided by the U.S. Department of Education (Outside Source)
Green Ribbon Schools Award Webinar
On Friday, January 20, 2012 the California Department of Education hosted a webinar to explain the application process for the Green Ribbon Schools Award program.
Webinar Power Point Presentation: Green Ribbon Schools Award Program Website and Application (PPT; 420; 29pp.)
Accessible version to the Power Point Presentation Green Ribbon Schools Award Program Website and Application
Recording of Webinar Power Point Presentation: Green Ribbon Schools Award Program Website and Application (AUD; 0:13) (Recording ID: wo48005, Attendee Key: Attend 48005)
Transcript of recording of Webinar Power Point Presentation: Green Ribbon Schools Award Program Website and Application
News Release - California Green Ribbon School Nominations
Cool California
The Cool California Web site (Outside Source) provides resources to all Californians in order to reduce their environmental impact and take action to stop climate change.
