This week, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) formally recognized the 78 schools, representing 29 states and Washington, D.C., that were awarded the first-ever Green Ribbon School honor earlier in the year.

During the ceremony, ED released a document with stories from each winning school and examples of ways these schools reduced their environmental impact, improved environmental education, and created a healthier learning environment.

ED also announced its first Green Strides webinar on improving indoor air quality, which will take place Thursday, June 21, from 1-2 p.m. EST. More details, along with registration information, can be found here.

Applications for next year’s Green Ribbon Schools program will be released this summer.

-Emily Rohlffs