Thank you for your interest in completing the District of Columbia application for nomination to US Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS), District Sustainability Award, or Postsecondary Sustainability Award. ED-GRS recognizes early learning centers, schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions taking a comprehensive approach to sustainability, incorporating environmental learning with improving environmental and health impacts. OSSE is the nominating authority for District schools. All schools applying for the Green Ribbon Schools Award must submit an application to OSSE for review. OSSE will then nominate up to five early learning centers, pre-K-12 schools, or districts (local education agencies), one of which may be a private or independent school, and one college or university for ED-GRS. Selection will be based on documentation of the applicant's high achievement in the three ED-GRS Pillars:
Pillar I: Reduce environmental impact and costs.
Pillar II: Improve the health and wellness of students and staff.
Pillar III: Effective environmental and sustainability education.
Schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions demonstrating progress in every area will receive the highest scores. It is recommended that you assemble a team to complete the application.
This team might include:
- Facilities manager
- Physical education director
- Food services director
- Curriculum director
- Finance department representative
- Teachers and students
For more information on the award including resources for applicants, prior winners, and FAQs, please view the Green Ribbon Schools home page. This website is an excellent clearinghouse of resources for all schools, not just those who apply.
A network of District agencies and organizations is available to support you through this process. In order to receive support, please send a brief email indicating your intent to apply to Grace Manubay, environmental literacy coordinator, at [email protected] by Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. Failure to do this will limit the ability of District agencies to support you, but will not disqualify your school from applying.
Applications are due by Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Please submit applications to Grace Manubay at [email protected].
US Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Recognition Recipients from the District of Columbia
DC Public Schools
- Cardozo Education Campus (2023)
- Jackson-Reed High School (formerly Wilson High School) (2013)
- Key Elementary (2021)
- Marie Reed Elementary (2024)
- Stoddart Elementary (2012)
- Whittier Elementary (2022)
DC Public Charter Schools
- Capital City PCS (2016)
- DC Bilingual PCS (2021)
- Mundo Verde PCS (2013)
- Washington Yu Ying PCS (2013)
Private Schools
Institutions of Higher Learning
- American University (2022)
- Catholic University of America (2024)
- George Washington University (2015)
- Georgetown University (2023)
Summaries of these schools’ achievements can also be found in the highlights reports.
Related Content
Capital LEAF Program for Green, Healthy, Sustainable Schools
For more information or questions, please contact Grace Manubay at (202) 654-6116 or [email protected].
Related Services
Environmental Literacy Program (ELP)
