Awardees

The Pennsylvania schools and institutions that have attained ED-GRS status are models for all schools across the commonwealth. The winners of the USDE Green Ribbon Schools Award, State Finalists, and recipient of specific initiative recognitions are to be commended for their work towards sustainable and healthy schools.

PDE provides multiple supports to assist schools to develop different levels of sustainability in our schools. These tools include assistance in environmental literacy plan development, professional development opportunities, partner organization checklists and audit tools, and a multi-tiered approach to encourage initial and continued gains across the pillars as the school, district or institution of higher education is ready for each new set of goals. Past award recipients ready and willing to mentor new schools initiating the journey to US Department of Education Green Ribbon School Status.

PDE is offering the following awards and recognitions:

US Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) – Schools and institutions that have been recognized by USDE as Green Ribbon Schools
State Level - Climbing the Pillars – tiers of award for nominated organizations

Success! One Pillar Complete
Success! Two Pillars Complete
Success! Three Pillars Complete – State Finalist Level – for Schools and institutions that have been recognized for attaining high levels of sustainability for all three pillars at the state level and are under consideration for nomination for the USDE Green Ribbon School award.

Additional recognition is offered for eligible schools, districts, and institutions of higher education that are implementing innovative work within or in recognition of the following initiatives:

Agriculture Education
Climate Resilience
Environmental Justice
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Plan Development
Systemic Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Curriculum Integration
Litter, Recycling, and Waste Management Efforts
Continued Improvement Recognition for Past U.S.DOE GRS awardees (for schools or districts that have already achieved but would like to continue expanding programs and efforts related to environmental literacy and sustainability)

Awardees

Highlights from past US Green Rubbon Awardee Cycles

2023 ED-GRS Award Winners

Hilldale Elementary School, Chadds Ford, PA
California Area School District, Coal Center, PA
West Chester University, West Chester, PA

2023 State Level Finalists and Pillar Tier Recognition

Montgomery School, Chester Springs, PA

Success One Pillar Complete!

2022 ED-GRS Award Winners

Spring-Ford School District, Royersford, PA
Shippensburg University of PA, Shippensburg, PA

2021 ED-GRS Award Winners

Commonwealth Charter Academy, Harrisburg, PA
Hance Elementary School, Pine Richland School District, Gibsonia, PA
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA

2021 State Level Finalists and Pillar Tier Recognition

Central Cambria School District, Ebensburg, PA

Success Two Pillars Complete! With special recognition for work in the areas of Environmental Justice Area School and DEI Accessibility

2020 ED- GRS Award Winner

Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Elementary, Spring House, PA

2019 ED- GRS Award Winners

Eden Hall Elementary Upper School, Gibsonia, PA
State College Friends School, State College, PA
Millersville University, Millersville, PA

2018 ED-GRS Award Winners

Mt. Lebanon High School, Pittsburgh, PA
Wexford Elementary School, Wexford, PA

2017 ED GRS Award Winners

Coebourn Elementary School, Brookhaven, PA
The School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

2016 ED-GRS Award Winners

Park Forest Elementary School, State College Area School District, State College PA
School District of Jenkintown, Jenkintown, PA
Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA

2016 State Level Finalist