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Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr. announced today that New York State is participating in the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools program this year, and will soon invite public and private schools to apply for this national recognition.

The Green Ribbon Schools program recognizes schools that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness, and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement.Ìý The recognition award is part of a larger effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about practices proven to result in improved student engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, as well as a government-wide aim to increase energy independence and economic security.

The Green Ribbon Schools recognition award will be given to schools that have achieved or are making demonstrable progress toward:

1) having a net zero environmental impact;

2) improving the health and performance of students and staff; and

3) ensuring the environmental and sustainability literacy of all graduates.Ìý

Public and private schools in New York State can make their application for nomination to the ²ü¶¶Ð¡ÃÛÌÒ’s Office of Facilities Planning.Ìý Commissioner King is permitted to nominate up to four schools to the U.S. Department of Education.Ìý If four schools are nominated, one must be a public school with a 40 percent disadvantaged population and one must be a private school.Ìý All schools must meet high college- and career-ready standards, be in compliance with federal civil rights laws, and all federal, state and local health and safety standards and regulations.

Submission details will be released shortly, including the program timeline and application process for schools to submit for consideration.ÌýÌý For more information on the Green Ribbon Schools program, please visit .