BIE-Funded Schools Can Participate in Green Ribbon Schools Program

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

Native Brief: WASHINGTON - Bureau of Indian Education funded schools across Indian Country will have the opportunity to participate in the US Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools program, and will soon invite them to apply to the BIE to be nominated for this national recognition.

"I am excited to have the Bureau of Indian Education participate in the Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools pilot program," said Moore. "The Green Ribbon Schools award will provide additional opportunities for us to showcase how our schools are making progress on creating healthier learning environments for our students."

The Green Ribbon Schools program was recently launched by Department of Education to recognize schools that save energy and reduce operating costs, create environmentally friendly learning spaces, promote student health, and provide environmental education to incorporate sustainability into their curricula.

The recognition award is part of a larger Department of Education and BIE 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.

To date, 35 state agencies, which includes the BIE, have announced that they will be participating. Each participating state agency will have their own unique application meeting Department of Education’s program requirements.

According to Department of Education guidance, Green Ribbon Schools receiving the national award will have achieved or made considerable progress toward the three pillars established in the program:

The combined achievement in these three areas will be the basis for the Green Ribbon Schools award. 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.

The bureau will release additional details shortly on their website for BIE-funded schools, including the Bureau of Indian Education Green Ribbon Schools application, training opportunities, and program timeline. Up to four schools may be nominated for the award.

For more information about the bureau's participation in the program visit www.BIE.edu/GreenRibbonSchools »

posted December 17, 2011 6:20 am est