On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, April 22nd, the U.S. Department of Education announced that Millbrook Environmental Connections Magnet Elementary in Raleigh, NC is among the 2020 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award honorees. 

Millbrook Environmental Connections Magnet Elementary was nominated by North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.  The school’s magnet theme has provided the opportunity for students to connect daily and authentically to sustainability, environmental issues, and being active stakeholders in reducing the environmental impact in the school and community. Outdoor food gardens and indoor tower gardening provides daily opportunities for students to engage in conversations regarding healthy food choices and gardening. Sustainability and environmental connections are apparent in the classroom through student engagement in the Environmental Inquiry Science Lab and through partnerships with local green businesses and organizations like the Interfaith Food Shuttle and FoodCorps.

 Across the country, 39 schools, 11 districts, and five postsecondary institutions are being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education. 

The honorees were named from a pool of candidates nominated by 27 states. The selectees include 28 public schools, including three magnet schools and four charter schools, as well as 11 nonpublic schools. Forty-five percent of the 2020 honorees serve a disadvantaged student body.   

The list of all selected schools, districts, colleges, and universities, as well as their nomination packages, can be found here. A report with highlights on the 55 honorees can be found here. More information on the federal recognition award can be found here. Resources for all schools to move toward the three Pillars can be found here.