For Immediate Release
Wednesday, December 7, 2022

State Board calls for Green Ribbon Schools applications

​Green Ribbon award celebrates schools taking a comprehensive approach to environmental education and management

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today announced a call for applications for the 2022-23 Illinois Green Ribbon Schools Award. The program recognizes schools, districts, and higher education institutions with active programs, actions, and dedication to sustainability. 
 
“Schools that devote time, attention, and resources to green initiatives play such an important role in our students’ education and in their future,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala. “I am proud to celebrate schools that have demonstrated progress in reducing environmental impact, improving health and wellness, and offering sustainability education. These programs teach Illinois students to be good stewards of our home and to be active participants in preserving the world around us.”
 
“We’re excited to partner with ISBE to support Illinois schools in this program,” said Katie Kaluzny, associate director at Illinois Green Alliance. “We need green schools to support our healthy buildings, a better learning environment, and build climate and sustainability stewardship in the next generation.”
 
ISBE sponsors the award in partnership with the Illinois Green Alliance and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Schools that have utilized best practices in energy efficiency, water and waste management, healthy school environments, and environmental education can apply. 
 
ISBE will submit recipients of the Illinois Green Ribbon Schools Award to the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools program for consideration for national recognition. The U.S. Department of Education typically announces its winners on Earth Day, April 22, and invites awardees to an award ceremony in Washington, D.C.  
 
Last year’s Illinois awardees included Community High School District 99 in Downers Grove. It was honored for its innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, as well its efforts to improve health and wellness and ensure sustainability education. The district’s energy management program and expansion of instructional and extracurricular environmental education opportunities were integral to the district’s impressive application. 
 
The Illinois Green Ribbon Schools Award application and an information session video recording can be found on the ISBE website. Application materials must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. Jan. 9. Submission materials and questions about the awards program should be sent to greenribbon@isbe.net​.



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