The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and
Illinois Green Alliance are have launched the application process for the
2023-24 Illinois Green Ribbon Schools award. Interested applicants are encouraged to review resources below and participate in
ISBE's informational webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 26
, to gain insights into the awards process and explore how their school communities can engage with ISBE's Green Ribbon Schools program. All
application materials must be submitted by
5 p.m. on
Dec. 22, 2023. Please contact
greenribbon@isbe.net if you have questions about the awards program.
The
Green Ribbon Schools program recognizes schools that are leading the way to promote sustainability and environmental education. Illinois Green Alliance, working in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education, annually reviews applications from schools that integrate best practices in energy, water and waste management, healthy school environments, and environmental education. Winning applications for the Illinois Green Ribbon program demonstrate progress and achievements in each of the three pillars:
- Reduce environmental impact and costs;
- Improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and
- Provide environmental education, which teaches many disciplines, and is especially good at effectively incorporating STEM, civic skills, and green career pathways.
Applications are scored by a panel of individuals with strong backgrounds in the three pillars. The top scoring schools are submitted to the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools Program for consideration at the national level.
A big congratulations to Clarendon Hills Middle School for being named a 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School and Lake Zurich District 95 for being named a 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Awardee for their comprehensive approach to environmental education and management!
