Why Utah Green Schools?
Becoming a Utah Green School or U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School has numerous benefits. Schools engaged in Green School efforts may have the opportunity to
- Reduce operational costs.
- Promote the health and education of students.
- Provide students with leadership and mentoring opportunity.
- Conserve limited resources.
- Strengthen your community.
- Connect to your environment.
What is a Utah Green School?
Does your school engage in sustainability efforts or integrate environmental education? If so, you are likely eligible to be recognized as a Utah Green School! UGS recognizes and inspires 21st-century sustainable practices in Utah schools, including environmental literacy, health and wellness, and building facilities.
Our program aligns with nationally recognized partners, including the Department of Education National Green Ribbon Schools, Green Schools Alliance, Project Learning Tree GreenSchools, and the NAAEE.
The application consists of three components: reduced environmental impacts and costs, improved health and wellness of schools, students, and staff, and effective environmental and sustainability education. You can preview the application by clicking here. If your school goes above and beyond, consider submitting an application for recognition as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School.
Who Should Participate?
What are you doing to “green” your school? What would you like to do? The project targets schools, families, and communities spanning the state of Utah. Whether you have been implementing green practices for years or are new to the idea, we want you to apply!
Step-by-Step Process
- Set up a school team that ideally includes educators, administrators, and staff for facility operations, health, food, and PE. For middle and high schools, representatives from student organizations are essential. Our new application takes a more comprehensive approach to evaluation, and stakeholders’ knowledge strengthens applications.
- Choose a lead person to handle the documentation and paperwork.
- Indicate your intent to apply by filling out this form, and we'll contact you regarding the application.
- After receiving the application, start by filling out the questionnaire. If you score a minimum of 25 points, USEE will award recognition as a Utah Green School. Please let us know if your scores are above 25, as you may be eligible for U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School recognition.
- After you fill out the questionnaire, complete the narrative application. Answers may be brief, but this helps us understand the scope of activities in schools across Utah and lets us communicate your successes with the community.
- Contact David Kimberly at any time with questions at . USEE is here to help you succeed!
2024 Utah Green Schools Timeline
- The application consists of a questionnaire and a narrative document. By filling out this form, you can request an application through November 3rd, 2023.
- Once you enter the application process, the USEE team will support you as you complete the required documentation.
- All Utah Green Schools applications are due by January 31st, 2024.
- All Green Ribbon School applicaitons are due by February 9th, 2024
USEE will notify all applicants of their status by Earth Day, April 22nd, 2024.