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Project Green Schools was thrilled to celebrate our Green Difference Award winners at the 16th Annual Green Difference Awards Ceremony hosted at the U.S. Department of Energy!
Each year, Project Green Schools recognizes the achievements of green education advocates and environmental leaders of all ages making strides for our planet, from students, teachers, and school administrators to citizens and community leaders.
This year marked the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that the ceremony was hosted in person and the first time the event was held in Washington, D.C.
With past and present Green Difference Award winners joining us from across the nation, it was an awe-inspiring celebration of our student and school leaders' innovation, ingenuity, and leadership.
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(Left to right, back row)
David Turk (Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Energy), Brandee Lapisky (Executive Director, The Compass School), Sophia Lapisky (Rhode Island Youth Sustainability Council), Nora Flippin (Rhode Island Youth Sustainability Council), Diya Balagopal (Green Difference Award winner and Founder of Preserve the Prairie), Stacy Goodman (Project Green Schools Board Chair), Steve Minard (CEO, Odin Energy Solutions)
(Left to right, front row)
Jennifer Seydel (Green Schools National Network), Robin Sidman (Founder and Executive Director of Project Green Schools), Dante Castellano (Project Green Schools National Youth Council), Carolyn He (Project Green Schools National Youth Council and Founder/CEO of A Sustainable Future), Delaney Bulger (Rhode Island Youth Sustainability Council), Grace Dugan (Rhode Island Youth Sustainability Council)
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David Turk, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy | |
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Additionally, our Green Difference Award winners have received special recognition from their legislators, including:
- Senator Ed Markey (MA)
- Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA)
- Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI)
- Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA)
- Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI)
- Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ)
- Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY)
- Congressman Gabe Amo (RI)
- Congressman Seth Magaziner (RI)
- Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA)
A special thank you to our partners for their support and participation:
- The Earth Prize
- Play for the Planet
- Green Schools National Network
- This is Planet Ed, Energy and Environment program, The Aspen Institute
- USGBC- Center for Green Schools
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment
- ecoAmerica
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Jennifer Seydel, Executive Director of the Green Schools National Network, and Carolyn He, Project Green Schools National Youth Council and Founder/CEO of A Sustainable Future | |
Robin Sidman, Founder and Executive Director of Project Green Schools | |
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Left to right:
Cory Shin (Project Green Schools Advisory Board), Christopher Castro (Office of State and Community Energy Programs, U.S. Dept. of Energy), Michael Isenberg (Project Green Schools Board), Stacy Goodman (Project Green Schools), Kenny Bae (Avery Coonley School), Robin Sidman (Project Green Schools), Noah Sorin (Idori), Mary Daly (Project Green Schools), Elaine Caprio (Project Green Schools), and Mark Thekkathala (Project Green Schools)
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Congratulations to our 2024 Green Difference Maker Scholarship Winners! | |
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Congratulations to our 2024 Green Difference Maker Scholarship winners, Brianna White and Dani Mendell!
This year, Project Green Schools and Odin Energy awarded two $1,000 scholarships to two 2024 graduating seniors in the United States pursuing higher education who have demonstrated exceptional environmental leadership. This scholarship honors impactful leadership that takes place beyond the walls of a traditional school and out in our communities.
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Brianna and Dani are exemplary young changemakers who have made a real difference in the lives of many. We know that the leadership Brianna and Dani have displayed throughout their high school careers will continue as they take their next steps forward. We anticipate great things in their futures for years to come! | |
Congratulations to Our Green Schools Society Graduates! | |
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As the school year comes to a close, we want to wish a hearty congratulations to all of our Green Schools Society Graduates!
Our Green Schools Society students and schools continue to show exemplary leadership, working to make their schools and communities more sustainable and toward a greener future for all.
We wish all of our graduating seniors the best of luck in all future endeavors!
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Green Schools Society Honor Roll | |
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We also want to give a special shout-out to all of our incredible Green Schools Society students for their stellar work this school year!
In total, NGSS/IGSS students logged 25,296 hours of environmental service and education!
The Greene School (RI) logged the most hours, with a total of 5,928 hours submitted. Foxborough Regional Charter School (MA) logged a total of 3,974 hours. Reedy High School (TX) logged a total of 2,425 hours.
Kudos to Arieana York of Alameda International Jr./Sr. High (CO) for logging the most hours of a single student with an impressive 892 hours!
Be sure to check out the 2023-2024 Green Schools Society Honor Roll for a full list of all this year’s remarkable students and schools!
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Congratulations to our Innovating for the Future winners! | |
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In April, we hosted our first Innovating for the Future competition at the Massachusetts State House. Innovating for the Future challenges students to combine their creativity, innovative abilities, and STEM skills to develop solutions to our planet's challenges for a greener future!
Congratulations to the winners of our inaugural Innovating for the Future Competition!
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1st place - $5,000
Arlington High School
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2nd place - $2,500
Sandwich Middle High School
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3rd place - $1,000
Riverview School
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All of the student teams were truly inspirational. They provided thoughtful presentations centered on solutions to our planet's environmental challenges. Their commitment and enthusiasm made this event a success! And a big thank you to all of our judges and presenters!
We look forward to the 2025 Innovating for the Future Challenge sponsored by National Grid! Stay tuned!
Interested in bringing this program to your state? Please reach out to our Executive Director, Robin Sidman at robin@projectgreenschools.org!
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Calling All Student Changemakers: Apply for the National Youth Council! | |
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Our National Youth Council comprises young changemakers who work to make a green difference across the nation and the globe.
National Youth Council students are invited to participate in key regional, national, and global events where they are given a seat at the table with government, civil society, corporate, and professional leaders. Through this, they create a feedback loop between leaders and the next generation and make connections that help them find their place in higher education and the workforce.
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Interested in joining the National Youth Council? All students in grades 5-12 are eligible to participate in National Youth Council meetings.
Please visit our website for more information and to apply:
https://projectgreenschools.org/youth-council/
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Welcome Our New Board Chair, Elaine Caprio! | |
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In June, former Board Chair Stacy Goodman passed the baton to Elaine Caprio. Stacy will continue to serve as Chair Emeritus. Thank you, Stacy Goodman, for your incredible seven years of service to this organization!
The Project Green Schools team is thrilled to welcome our new Board Chair, Elaine Caprio!
Elaine Caprio is a lawyer and insurance company executive and officer with over 34 years of experience forging resolutions to U.S. and international business disputes. Through Caprio Consulting, which Elaine founded in 2014, she has served as an arbitrator in over 60 matters involving contract, consumer, banking and insurance and reinsurance disputes. Elaine also provides re-insurance consulting services and is currently valuing proofs of claim as well as recovering outwards reinsurance for a liquidating reinsurance company.
Before forming Caprio Consulting, Elaine held insurance and reinsurance related operational and legal roles at Liberty Mutual Insurance for over twenty-five years, including Vice President and Director of Ceded Reinsurance.
Elaine is a former Board member and Chairman of the arbitration society ARIAS-U.S., and also served on the Board of Directors of Bottom Line Massachusetts and the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts.
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PPL Foundation Selects Project Green Schools as Grant Recipient | |
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A big thank you to the PPL Foundation! The PPL Foundation is awarding $232,400 in funding to support 17 nonprofit organizations working to improve the lives and well-being of individuals in the state of Rhode Island and has selected Project Green Schools as a recipient!
“The latest grants from PPL Foundation will support and amplify the tremendous efforts of nonprofits working hard every day to improve lives in our communities, inspire change and expand opportunities for Rhode Islanders,” said Greg Cornett, president of Rhode Island Energy and an officer of PPL Foundation.
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Youth Outdoor Equity Leadership Fund | |
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The Children & Nature Network invites young leaders in the U.S., Mexico and Canada between the ages of 16 and 30 to request up to $500 to grow professionally as a leader in the movement or to implement projects that create change in equitable access to nature, community health and well being, and justice.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
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Bloomberg Philanthropies Launches Youth Action Fund to Activate Tens of Thousands of Young People in Driving Climate Solutions in 100 Cities Across the Globe | |
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Bloomberg Philanthropies has launched the Youth Climate Action Fund to help support youth climate action in cities in the U.S. and across the globe.
The newly established Fund will provide technical assistance and funding for 100 mayors to activate tens of thousands of youth ages 15 to 25 to design, produce, and govern urgent climate solutions in their cities.
Each participating city will receive $50,000 to distribute as microgrants in an effort to fund a vast network of youth-led climate initiatives. Cities that commit the initial $50,000 in the first six months will receive an additional $100,000 to support more youth-led projects.
"Through the Youth Climate Action Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies empowers municipalities to engage our young people towards local climate action," said Mayor John Giles of Mesa, Arizona. "Young people are mobilizing and leading as we work toward a more sustainable future, and mayors can do their part to champion and support their ideas."
For a full list of participating cities, visit Bloomberg Philanthropies:
https://www.bloomberg.org/press/bloomberg-philanthropies-launches-youth-action-fund-to-activate-tens-of-thousands-of-young-people-in-driving-climate-solutions-in-100-cities-across-the-globe/
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City of West Palm Beach opens applications for Youth Climate Action Fund grants | |
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Are you aged 15 to 24 years old? Want to make a difference in the West Palm Beach community? Are you ready to take action on climate change and help the environment? If so, the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Micro-Grant Program is for you!
The goal of the YCAF is to activate youth-led initiatives and address urgent climate challenges in West Palm Beach. All projects must fit within the goals of West Palm Beach’s Sustainability Action Plan.
“As Mayor of West Palm Beach, I am proud to announce our partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund,” Mayor James stated. “Engaging our youth is not just an option; it’s an imperative in the face of climate change. Through this initiative, we empower the next generation to lead the charge for a more sustainable future.”
Online applications will be due July 31, 2024.
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City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Opens Applications for Youth Climate Grant Program | |
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Are you aged 15 to 24 years old? Want to make a difference in the La Crosse community? Are you ready to act on climate change and help the environment? If so, the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Micro-Grant Program is for you!
The goal of the YCAF is to activate youth-led initiatives and address urgent climate challenges in La Crosse. All projects must fit within the strategies of the City's Climate Action Plan.
Successful applicants will receive a microgrant, distributed to their sponsor organization, ranging from $1,000 - $5,000 to fund their projects.
Applications open through July 31st.
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Applications open for Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund 2024 | |
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Mayor John Giles has announced that the City of Mesa has begun accepting applications for the Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund.
Young people ages 15-24 that reside in and/or attend school in Mesa are encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 in funding to design and implement projects that address Mesa’s Climate Action Goals, which include heat mitigation, water stewardship, clean air and increasing Mesa’s tree canopy.
The deadline to submit applications is July 31.
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Bow Seat's True Blue Fellowship: Apply for a chance at $2,500 in funding for youth-led projects | |
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Bow Seat's True Blue Fellowship aims to connect and empower youth around the world to leverage the creative arts to enact change in local communities to safeguard the ocean, waterways, and the climate.
The True Blue Fellowship provides mentorship, capacity building, and funding of up to $2,500 for 10 youth-led projects that address ocean, waterways, and/or climate change issues in their local communities through a creative arts lens.
Projects must meet the Fellowship goals:
1.) Utilize the creative arts as the primary method for awareness and/or action
2.) Co-create with and engage others in your local community.
3.) Have a tangible impact on your local community and environment.
Who Can Apply?
- Youth ages 13-24
- Young people worldwide (applications must be in English)
- Individuals or classes, groups, clubs, or organizations
- New or emerging projects that are less than two years old (clubs or organizations that are more than two years old may apply so long as the proposed project is less than two years old)
Applications are due on September 1st at 11:59 PM EST.
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HEY Global Climate Fund: Call for applications | |
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The Ashley Lashley Foundation has opened applications for their HEY Global Climate Fund, which will offer young leaders around the globe access to $2,500 in climate finance!
Open to youth ages 13-27, the HEY Global Climate Fund is accepting proposals on one of the following thematic areas:
- Climate Change and Human Health
- Climate Change, Water Conservation, and Food Security
- Solid Waste Management and Climate Change
Three chosen climate activists will receive a grant from the HEY Global Climate Fund for their projects.
Applications are due August 5th.
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News: Congressman Paul D. Tonko and Brian Fitzpatrick Introduce Bill to Improve Air Quality | |
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From our partner the Healthy Schools Network
Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) announced the introduction of their Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act, bipartisan legislation that would protect the public from poor indoor air quality (IAQ).
While progress has been made to address outdoor air pollution, efforts on indoor air quality have been largely unacknowledged and underfunded. Despite this lack of action on IAQ, studies have shown that indoor contaminants can be 2-5 times—and occasionally 100 times—higher than outdoors. Further the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Science Advisory Board has consistently ranked poor IAQ among the top five environmental risks to public health, and over 3 million people globally die prematurely each year from disease caused by poor IAQ.
The Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act would ensure that EPA has the authority and resources necessary to better protect public health from poor indoor air quality. Specifically, the bill:
- Updates, expands, and codifies the work of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division;
- Requires EPA to establish and regularly update a list of significant indoor contaminants, and develop health-based, voluntary guidelines to reduce exposure risks to these contaminants;
- Directs EPA to develop or recognize one or more voluntary certifications for buildings designed, built, operated, and maintained to prevent or minimize indoor air health risks; and
- Establishes a regularly updated national assessment of IAQ in schools and childcare facilities, and supports development of technical assistance, guidelines, and best practices to improve the IAQ conditions of these facilities.
Healthy Schools Network Executive Director said, “Polluted indoor air in schools is a well-documented serious public health concern that affects tens of millions of US school children and school personnel every day. Poor indoor air results in less learning, worse test scores, and more absences. The children hardest hit are those with preexisting health or learning problems. We strongly support Congressman Tonko’s Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act of 2024. It advances US EPA’s three key strategies to improve indoor air quality: source control of pollutants which is highly cost-effective, improved ventilation, and the filtration of indoor air. Every child deserves clean air in school.” Claire L. Barnett, MBA, Executive Director, Healthy Schools Network.
Read the bill text here
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News: Historic Agreement Reached in Hawaiʻi Youth-Led Constitutional Climate Complaint | |
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"Navahine v. Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is the world’s first youth-led constitutional climate case addressing climate pollution from the transportation sector. Thirteen youth from across the Hawaiian Islands brought the case in June 2022, asserting their rights to a safe and healthy climate and asking the Hawaiʻi state government to take necessary actions to meet the climate emergency and enable Hawaiʻi’s paradigm shift to a climate-safe, zero emissions transportation system."
This case is also the first of its kind, marking the first time government defendants have resolved a constitutional climate case in partnership with youth plaintiffs.
Read more about this historic victory from Earth Justice:
https://earthjustice.org/press/2024/historic-agreement-settles-hawaii-youth-led-constitutional-climate-complaint
| News: A Naperville high school student helped create new climate change education legislation | |
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Calendar of Events/Days to Celebrate
August
- 12th: International Youth Day
- 19th: National Aviation Day
September
- 4th: National Wildlife Day
- 21st: International Day of Peace
- 21st: Zero Emissions Day
- 22nd: World Car-free Day
- 22nd/23rd: Fall (Autumnal) Day
October
- 1st Week: Junk Mail Awareness Week
- 1st: World Vegetarian Day
- 4th: World Animal Day
- 8th: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Day
- 17th: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
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Project Green Schools |3 Village Green North #311 PMB 191, Plymouth, MA 02360 | info@projectgreenschools.org www.projectgreenschools.org
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