18 Schools Received a Mini-Grant to Implement a Sustainability Project
Congratulations to the 2021-22 Illinois Green Schools Project Mini-Grant Awardees!
The Illinois Green Schools Project, a program that brings together students, teachers, and staff to implement hands-on sustainability projects, awarded mini-grants to eighteen K-12 schools across Illinois.
Led by Illinois Green Alliance, the program invited participating schools to submit mini-grant proposals to support implementation of a no- to low-cost sustainability project. Priority was also given to schools that are completing projects tied to this year’s optional theme Energy & Justice at School. Over half of the participating schools received funding to implement their project.
In addition to mini-grant opportunities, schools receive guidance and expertise from Green Building Professional Mentors, along with curriculum and professional development tools.
Hear from the schools and join us in celebrating the hard work of the students, educators, and volunteers at the Illinois Green Schools Project Celebration in May.
The 2021-2022 Mini-Grant Awardees
Academy for Global Citizenship
Awarded funding to introduce a vermicompost bin into every classroom and investigate waste at the school and community level through a field trip to a local waste management facility.
Carruthers Elementary School
Awarded funding to install motion sensors in classrooms to conserve energy. Students will also create signs to introduce the new switches, along with actions to save energy.
Dundee-Crown High School
Awarded funding for signage to protect natural habitat and outdoor classroom spaces, including a woodland prairie and rain garden.
Edgar Allan Poe Elementary Classical School
Awarded funding for a school garden and visits to local greenhouses/farms to explore future careers in sustainability and production.
Eric Solorio Academy High School
Awarded funding for reusable utensils and condiment dispensers to address single use items in their cafeteria and support zero waste goals.
Half Day School
Awarded funding to reduce single-use plastic and food waste at their school through purchase of reusable items for the cafeteria.
John Barry Elementary School
Awarded funding for recycling stations to develop a comprehensive and sustainable recycling program for the school.
Laura B Sprague School
Awarded funding to reduce single-use plastic and food waste at their school through purchase of reusable items for the cafeteria.
Libertyville High School
Awarded funding for solar panels for their outdoor learning garden and for a monitor to display the school’s electrical consumption.
Lincoln Elementary School
Awarded funding for garden signage, outdoor seating, and a teaching wall to develop an interactive outdoor learning space.
Lincoln Middle School
Awarded funding for recycling stations and Terracycle stations for drink pouches and snack wrappers to grow the cafeteria waste sort program.
Murphysboro Middle School
Awarded funding for recycling stations, a Terracycle station, and posters and stickers to increase education and awareness around waste.
Pleasantdale Elementary School
Awarded funding to add educational elements and signs to a small butterfly garden and seeds to grow more flowers that attract butterflies and increase biodiversity.
Skinner North Classical School
Awarded funding for kill-a-watt meters, smart power strips, and a thermal camera for students to audit the energy used by the school and inform energy efficient actions.
Urban Prairie Waldorf School
Awarded funding to install a water pump and storage basin to harvest rainwater for outdoor gardening use and teach students the importance of water conservation.
Vernon Hills High School
Awarded funding for waste collection bins to address waste sent to landfill by the school and support zero waste goals.
William Beye Elementary School
Awarded funding for gardening supplies, poster materials, and an Earth Week speaker to engage students in stewardship practices and increase knowledge of green careers and sustainability.
Wolcott College Prep
Awarded funding to support a TedX event that highlights their project to plant trees in low canopy and high need neighborhoods. Wolcott also received funding from EEAI (Environmental Education Association of Illinois) for the trees and planting materials.
