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

California Green Ribbon Schools Recognition Program Request for Applications 2026–27

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 fourteenth 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 143 public schools, 53 school districts, and 3 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, kindergarten through grade twelve public and private schools, and early education centers.

Interested parties can request an electronic application and find more information about the program on the 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