The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has awarded Oregon Green Schools $10,000 to help the nonprofit transition from a fully volunteer organization to establishing a more formal structure, including a small, paid professional staff. This shift will strengthen and expand OGS’s activities with schools across the state.
Photos: Students complete the Oregon Green Schools Green lunchroom audit to better understand food waste.
OGS is a non-profit organization that provides free sustainability assistance and support to schools across the state. Using a comprehensive certification framework, student events and a network of regional coordinators that provide coaching and technical assistance, OGS supports schools in establishing and maintaining resource conservation programs designed to both educate students and establish sustainable practices within schools themselves.
“We’re thrilled to offer this funding to Oregon Green Schools and strengthen our partnership with them,” says Lydia Emer, Land Quality Division Administrator at DEQ. “Supporting our school system and introducing sustainability concepts into our classrooms helps inspire future generations to protect Oregon’s air, land and water.”
OGS has been an expert in sustainability education for almost 25 years, and DEQ anticipates this funding will enhance K-12 providing environmental education throughout the state.
“We’re so grateful for our longtime partnership with the DEQ,” says Kersey Goodwin, Strategic Partnership Director at OGS. “With their loyal support, OGS is building our capacity and strengthening our community across Oregon. We share a common goal to reach students and activate sustainability leadership and we’re excited to continue working together.”
-Julie Miller, communications specialist