U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Nominations

2024-25 Applications Are Due by 3pm Thursday, January 9, 2025

• Download and save the Washington State ED Green Ribbon District and STEC Application
• Download and save the Washington State ED Green Ribbon PreK-12 Schools Application
  • The Photo Consent Form Links in the above applications have been fixed and are also located here:
  • Photo Consent Form - English |  Spanish
  • Please contact Elizabeth Schmitz if you need this form in other languages.
• Submit your Washington State ED Green Ribbon Schools Application 24-25  by 3 pm Thursday, January 9, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools Program (US-ED GRS) celebrates schools and districts making demonstrated progress towards:

• Pillar 1: Reducing environmental impact and costs.
• Pillar 2: Improving the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff.
• Pillar 3: Providing effective environmental and sustainability education, incorporating STEM, outdoor learning, civic skills, and green career pathways.

Apply by January 9, 2025 at 3 pm. Submit your Washington State ED Green Ribbon Schools Application 24-25 (alchemer.com).

View a list of past and present GRS honorees!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

Public, private schools, districts, State-Tribal Education Compact Schools, and early learning centers are invited to apply. Rural schools and districts, nature-based pre-schools, and schools or districts serving above state average student populations of migrant and multilingual students or students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.  

What is the selection process?

Schools and districts complete an online application. A state committee scores completed applications. The state may nominate up to five schools or districts. The state committee also selects schools and districts that excel in one or more of the pillars as Washington State Green School and District Leaders.

Schools can answer the application with data and information based on the 2017-2024 school years - due to the impacts from the pandemic, information is not required to include facilities data for the 2020-2021/2021-2022 school years. Most schools and districts that receive the award do so by demonstrating systemic and sustained practices.

OSPI forwards state finalists to the U.S. Department of Education (ED). ED chooses national award recipients from this group.

How are Green Ribbon Schools/Districts recognized?

State finalists and national award recipients may attend statewide events, join a state team of green leaders, and will receive an award. ED invites national award recipients to a ceremony in Washington DC.

What if my school or district doesn't meet all the requirements?

The ED Green Ribbon Schools program is ambitious. You should apply if you are making demonstrated progress towards meeting the goals stated as the program’s Three Pillars – 1. Reduced Environmental Impact and Cost, 2. Improved Health and Wellness, and 3. Integrated Environmental and Sustainability Education. There are two levels of awards: the National Green Ribbon Schools Award program and the state Green Leader awards. If you do not qualify for the ED Green Ribbon Schools award, you may still be eligible for the Washington State Green Leader award.

ED Green Ribbon Schools Partners