The aim of U.S. Department of Education (National) Green Ribbon Schools is to inspire schools (both public and private), districts, early learning centers (OLCs), and institutions of higher education (IHEs) to strive for 21st-century excellence by highlighting promising school sustainability practices and resources that all can employ. To that end, the award recognizes schools, districts, OLCs, and IHEs that:
- Reduce environmental impact and costs;
- Improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and
- Provide effective environmental and sustainability education
Each spring The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) recognizes national and state finalists in an award’s ceremony held at one of the Delaware’s schools. All national winners are recognized in Washington, DC, in the summer.
Congratulations to the Current Green Ribbon School Winners
There were no applications or awardees in 2022.
National Awardees – 2021
Due to COVID-19 there are no winners for 2021.
Delaware Awardees – 2021
Due to COVID-19 there are no winners for 2021.
National Green Ribbon School Awardees (past 2 years)
| Award Year | Awardee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Jefferson School, Private School |
| 2019 | Caesar Rodney School District |
| 2018 | Warner Elementary School, Red Clay Consolidated School District |
Delaware Green Ribbon School Awardees (past 2 years)
| Award Year | Awardee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Simpson Elementary School, Caesar Rodney School District |
Apply to be a Green Ribbon School
Delaware Application Process
Applications to become a 2023 Delaware nominee and awardee are now available! Submissions are due to the DDOE by February 1, 2024.
- Green Ribbon Letter to Schools
- District nomination form
- School nomination form
- Early Learning Center (ELC) nomination form
- Rubric
- Application
All applications must include nomination form, application, and pictures.
U.S. Department of Education Application Process
ED-GRS recognizes schools taking a comprehensive approach to greening their school/district. A comprehensive approach incorporates environmental learning with improving environmental and health impacts.
Becoming a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School is a two-step process.
Step One: Complete and submit the Delaware Green Ribbon 2022 application in order to be selected as a 2023 nominee by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE).
Step Two: The DDOE selection committee will send up to 5 applicants to the U.S. Department Of Education. The U.S. Department of Education will make the final decision national winners.
Additional Resources
- U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools – find additional information on national Green Ribbon Schools
- Greenstrides – tools and resources to help your green schools effort
- STEM Grants – Green Strides STEAM programs offered through the U.S. Department of Education
- The Center for Green Schools – Resources to help create sustainable, healthy, resilient, and equitable learning environments
