PHILADELPHIA — As part of continued efforts to advance recycling and environmental sustainability, city officials gathered to honor 29 Philadelphia schools for their outstanding contributions to environmental education through the Green Schools Program. The celebration took place Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center. Activities for the day included student ambassadors presenting their green projects and a panel discussion between students and City leadership on environmental sustainability.

Participating schools, including public, charter, independent, and parochial institutions received grants of up to $2,500, totaling $72,500 in funding. These grants supported a variety of student-led projects focused on recycling, sustainability, and environmental stewardship, providing hands-on learning opportunities that benefit both the schools and their surrounding communities.
The Green Schools Program is a cornerstone of Mayor Parker’s education and sustainability agenda. It exemplifies her administration’s commitment to delivering high-quality education to all students—regardless of socioeconomic background—while promoting a cleaner, safer, and greener Philadelphia.

“The Green Schools Program continues to inspire innovative ideas and proves that recycling and sustainability can seamlessly become part of everyday life—even in our schools,” said Carlton Williams, Director, Office of Clean and Green. “What makes me most proud is that this program empowers our city’s youth to become green heroes. It provides valuable educational opportunities that encourage students to lead by example—not only in their schools, but also in their homes and neighborhoods—by adopting and promoting sustainable practices throughout their communities.”

“This program is more than just an environmental initiative—it’s a message to our young people that their ideas matter,” said Crystal Jacobs Shipman, Commissioner, Department of Sanitation. “By investing in their creativity and leadership, we’re empowering them to help shape a brighter, more sustainable future for our city.”

Projects funded through the program included school gardens, composting systems, recycling campaigns, and other innovative green initiatives designed to instill lifelong habits of environmental stewardship. Students are encouraged not only to lead sustainability efforts within their schools but also to bring these practices into their homes and neighborhoods.

The Green Schools Program showcased how education and environmental awareness can work hand in hand. By fostering a generation of environmentally conscious leaders, the program underscores the importance of sustainable thinking as a part of everyday life and learning.