40 States Plan to Participate in ED-GRS 2013

40 States Plan to Participate in ED-GRS 2013  A whopping 40 state departments of education have indicated that they intend to nominate schools to USED for the second annual recognition award.  Schools cannot apply directly and must be nominated by their state education agency. State participation is voluntary and may depend on hearing from interested schools.    ED-Green Ribbon Schools Inspire Other Schools   At the inaugural ED-GRS awards ceremony, 78 honored schools were given an important homework assignment. Each school was challenged to return to its community and adopt a future green school. Several 2012 ED-Green Ribbon Schools have already begun to work with schools in their communities>>>.  Attend a Free Green Strides Webinar Series Session  Hundreds are tuning in to learn how to reduce their schools’ environmental impact and costs; improve health and wellness; and provide effective environmental literacy, including STEM, green careers, and civics. Find over 40 webinars scheduled on these topics through summer 2013 on our Green Strides Webinar Series page. Environment Grants from The Lawrence Foundation  The purpose of this funding is to support programs that focus on the environment, education, or human services. The application deadline is November 1st. For more information, see >>>   Where do I obtain information on ED-GRS applications?  Your school must be nominated by your state department of education and cannot apply directly to the U.S. Department of Education. Inquire with your state authority if you are interested in applying for its nomination.  Most states will publish their selection processes in early fall. The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program  This program gives small grants to schools, nature centers, and other non-profit places of learning for a stewardship project. Project goals should focus on enhancement of an appreciation for nature, must emphasize involvement of students and volunteers in all phases of development, and increase the educational value of the site. The deadline is October 15th.  Applications and information can be found here >>>. Green Ribbon’s Director Accepts Secretary’s Golden Apple On Aug. 29, ED honored the recipients of the Secretary’s Awards Program, including ED-GRS Director and Facilities, Health and Environment Liaison Andrea Falken. "I was honored to accept the Golden Apple on behalf of the states, stakeholders, federal agencies, sponsors and, of course, schools, that worked so hard in the pilot year,” said Falken.  “School facilities, health, and environmental practices help to ensure healthy, productive, and high-achieving students. It was an award for the whole nationwide, multi-sector, intergovernmental ED-GRS team!"    Upcoming Event: NAAEE 41st Annual Conference The North American Association of Environmental Education will host this year’s conference in Oakland, CA from October 9-13.  See more information>>>   Worldwide Day of Play, Oct. 6 and Grant Opportunity On the 9th annual Worldwide Day of Play, Nickelodeon turns off all programming to inspire kids to get out and play. Join the movement and host a local Worldwide Day of Play event and enter the I Wanna Play! Giveaway to win a custom Nickelodeon Playground worth more than $100,000 or $10,000 to help enhance a play project. More information >>>