EcoSchools U.S. Program Launches New Features for 2024-2025 School Year

RESTON, Va. - EcoSchools U.S., the National Wildlife Federation's environmental certification program for K-12 schools, celebrates 15 years since its inception and introduces new features for the current school year. One of the country's largest sustainability programs, EcoSchools U.S. engages students and communities in action-based learning to address pressing environmental challenges.

Last year, 59 schools achieved the coveted EcoSchools Green Flag,the pinnacle of recognition in the National Wildlife Federation's EcoSchools U.S. program. This prestigious accolade celebrates their outstanding commitment to sustainability education and remarkable success in fostering positive environmental change. This work resulted in hundreds of student-led sustainability action projects nationwide on school campuses and local communities.

"The NWF EcoSchools platform has truly enabled environmental stewardship in our school district," said Donna Volkman, educational specialist from Fairfax County Public School's sustainability office. "With around 200 schools, our Get2Green teams' needs vary greatly. This platform meets them where they are, providing entry points for those just getting started and recognition for those with environmental stewardship deeply embedded in their school culture."

New features, tailored for educators and school districts developing and implementing school and community environment-based action plans include a library of over 50 actions to advance the National Wildlife Federation's goals around Climate Solutions and Clean Energy, Wildlife Recovery and Habitat Restoration, and Environmental Justice and Community Resilience, along with expanded technological resources, such as ArcGIS story maps, that help students understand the impacts of the climate crisis and think critically about solutions.

EcoSchools is also launching two new campaigns, including Schoolyard Habitats®, which offers a structured approach to planning, building, and maintaining a Certified Schoolyard Habitats® garden, allowing students to engage in hands-on engineering design and environmental stewardship. The program is also launching the Resilient Schools and Communities campaign, developed in partnership with New Jersey Audubon, which will foster meaningful connections between students and their communities, driving collective action for climate resilience.

"EcoSchools U.S. is committed to collaborating with schools and districts to support their visions for resilient, just communities where people and wildlife thrive," said Elizabeth Soper, senior director of education at the National Wildlife Federation. " These new features will empower students to take meaningful action on environmental issues in their schools and communities."

View the impact of EcoSchools U.S.during the 2023-24 school. Educators and administrators interested in joining the EcoSchools program can visit EcoSchools U.S.for more information and to register.