Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Green Ribbon Schools

In fall 2011, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) launched the Green Ribbon Schools Initiative to recognize the highest performing green schools in the nation. The initiative is designed to honor schools that 1) save energy through environmentally sustainable classrooms and school buildings; and 2) engage their communities in efforts to boost environmental literacy.

The program also aims to foster Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills and content knowledge to ensure students graduate college- and career-ready. The Green Ribbon Schools Initiative supports environmental learning by educating students about key social, economic, and ecological relationships, reinforcement of STEM knowledge, and the development of civic engagement skills.

Green Ribbon Selection

• Schools must be nominated by their state chief education officer and cannot apply directly to the USDOE; 
• Each state may select up to four schools, based on the three criteria: Environmental Impact and Energy Efficiency; Healthy School Environments; and Environmental and Sustainability Education;
• The enrollment must be comprised of at least 40 percent disadvantaged students for at least one of the schools nominated by each state;
• States may nominate one private school.

The USDOE will select approximately 50 award recipients in the 2011-2012 school year. Winners will be announced during Earth Week in April 2012.

The deadline for schools to submit applications to the Louisiana Department of Education is February 17, 2012.  To access the online application, please click here.