Less than a year after debuting its certification program, Sustainable Jersey for Schools has announced that more than 104 school districts – and more than 275 schools – have registered with the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification program. Registered schools and school districts are represented in all 21 New Jersey counties.
Based on the successful Sustainable Jersey certification program for municipalities (74 percent of New Jersey municipalities participate), Sustainable Jersey for Schools promotes a comprehensive and results-oriented approach to sustainability. Participating schools can choose from 87 actions, such as performing energy audits, integrating sustainability into student learning, and boosting recycling efforts, to earn points for certification.
The list of participating school districts is available online. The first group of certified schools will be celebrated at a reception at the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) Workshop 2015 Conference.
Grants Available for Energy Projects Sustainable Jersey is accepting applications from New Jersey municipalities and school districts for sustainable energy projects focused on energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy. Funded by the Gardinier Environmental Fund, $200,000 in grant money is now available. The Gardinier Environmental Fund will support energy projects focused on energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy. Grant proposals are being accepted from municipalities and school districts registered with Sustainable Jersey through Nov. 1, 2015. For this grant cycle, Sustainable Jersey is offering grants in two amounts; $30,000 and $10,000. Grant applications from the municipalities and school districts are managed separately. To submit a simple, online application, school districts should visit the Sustainable Jersey for Schools Small Grant Program.
Schools Receive Grants to Fund Health and Wellness Actions Sustainable Jersey for Schools awarded 24 schools and five school districts grants funded by the New Jersey Department of Health. The grants will support school and district initiatives including wellness programs, water bottle filling stations, school gardens, healthy food campaigns, physical activity clubs, yoga programs and more. The school districts receiving grants include Mainland Regional High School District; Delran Township School District; Glen Rock Public School District; Princeton Public Schools; and High Bridge Borough School District. A complete list of grant recipients, including the 24 schools, is available online.