Dear County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and Principals:

California Green Ribbon Schools Recognition Program Request for Applications 2025–26

The California Department of Education (CDE) is pleased to announce the opportunity to honor your environmental literacy and sustainability efforts while spotlighting replicable best practices through our California Green Ribbon Schools (CA-GRS) recognition program. Applications are now available for the thirteenth cycle of the program.

Starting the application process offers a fantastic opportunity for your schools to gain recognition for the incredible work you are already doing. Join the ranks of 125 public schools, 46 school districts, and three county offices of education across the state that are leading the way in whole-school sustainability.

Eligible award recipients include school districts, county offices of education, public and private schools from prekindergarten through grade twelve, and early education centers.

Interested parties can request an electronic application and find more information about the program on the CDE Green Ribbon Schools Award Program web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/fa/greenribbonprog.asp. While there is no limit to the number of CA-GRS awards, five honorees will also be nominated for further recognition at the California School Recognition Program as CA-GRS Green Achievers.

Benefits reported by past honorees:

• Reduced student illness and absenteeism
• Industry exposure and opportunities for students to build job-related skill sets
• Informed and environmentally responsible infrastructure decisions
• Improved academic outcomes, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields

If you have any questions, please contact the California Green Ribbon Schools team at greenribbonschools@cde.ca.gov.

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction

TT:gg