Three Ridgewood schools awarded grants to mobilize sustainability goals
Ridgewood, NJ – Somerville Elementary School, Travel Elementary School, and Ridgewood High School were each awarded a $2,000 Sustainable Jersey for Schools grant funded by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). Sixteen $10,000 grants and ten $2,000 grants were distributed to support elementary through high-school public schools and school districts across the state. The grants fund a variety of projects including aquaponics systems, outdoor classrooms, pollinator and edible gardens, water bottle refilling stations, tree planting, food waste and composting initiatives.
“Over the past several years, the district has focused on improving sustainability practices, and individual schools have also increased their efforts in this area from large building-wide initiatives to student-led projects,” said Dr. Thomas Gorman, Superintendent of Schools. “We are excited that three of our schools have been awarded grants to help support and continue the important work they are doing. It is especially rewarding to see how invested the students are in doing their part to protect the environment and conserve natural resources.”
With this contribution, NJEA has provided $1.75 million to support a sustainable future for children across the state through the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program. “This is an important program that directs resources into our schools and NJEA is proud to continue to work with Sustainable Jersey,” said NJEA President Sean Spiller. “When our students can learn, at an early age, that sustainable and healthy practices often go “hand in hand” with economic efficiencies, we all benefit from the positive changes. It is our job to help create a new generation of engaged citizens and leaders. We help ensure that we leave a better world for our students when we emphasize the value of sustainability.” In addition to the grant funding, NJEA supports Sustainable Jersey for Schools as a program underwriter.
“Sustainable Jersey is proud to support the work of each of these schools and school districts and to recognize the dedication of every applicant,” said Sustainable Jersey Executive Director Randall Solomon. “These creative projects are exceptional and will serve to accelerate school-centered sustainability programs as we head into a pivotal decade for climate action and sustainability in our state.” Proposals were judged by an independent Blue-Ribbon Selection Committee.
About Sustainable Jersey for Schools
Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a certification program for public schools in New Jersey. It was launched by Sustainable Jersey, an organization that provides tools, training and financial incentives to support and reward municipalities and schools as they pursue sustainability programs. To date, 1,050 schools are participating in the program. Visit the Participating Districts and Schools webpage to see the full list of participating and certified schools and school districts. Sustainable Jersey for Schools has awarded over $2.6 million in grants to schools and school districts. To learn more about Sustainable Jersey for Schools, visit: www.sustainablejerseyschools.com.
About the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA)
NJEA is the state’s largest association of education professionals, representing over 200,000 elementary and secondary teachers, administrators, higher education faculty, educational support professionals, retirees, and students preparing to become teachers. To learn more about NJEA, visit www.njea.org.