EcoSchools U.S. Goes Back to School Celebrating Success

As students and educators nationwide settle into the new school year, there’s a fresh breeze of excitement in the EcoSchools program! Launched over 15 years ago by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), EcoSchools is one of the largest global sustainability programs, engaging students and communities in action-based learning to address environmental challenges. We are proud to be the sole host of EcoSchools in the United States. This year, the recently redesigned EcoSchools program is more dynamic than ever, and we can’t wait to share what’s new!

EcoSchools U.S. Impact

We have already made a significant impact under the newly redesigned EcoSchools U.S. program. Students have actively participated in thousands of place-based learning experiences, initiated water and energy conservation projects, developed vital leadership skills, and expanded wildlife habitat by over 400,000 square feet. Schools have also made over 3,500 connections to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and over 3,000 links to the global U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. To that end, 59 schools earned our program’s highest achievement, the EcoSchools Green Flag. These achievements highlight a fraction of schools’ incredible progress towards a more sustainable future.

What’s New in EcoSchools?

Expanded Action Card Library

One of the most exciting updates is the introduction of two new action cards developed in collaboration with NWF’s Climate, Energy, and Environmental Change team. These cards integrate ArcGIS StoryMaps into the classroom, focusing on extreme heat and unnatural disasters. With complimentary worksheets and independent study resources, they provide a deep dive into critical climate issues, equipping students with knowledge to address local environmental challenges.

This fall also brings the return of the Cool School Challenge. Updated resources include the implementation guide, online calculator, and worksheets on school lighting, transportation, and solid waste, including paper and plastic. Student teams will learn how to conduct classroom audits and identify significant sources of CO₂ emissions and opportunities to reduce them.

Leadership and Community Engagement

The new Mayors’ Monarch Pledge action card encourages students to step into leadership roles. Developed in collaboration with NWF’s Community Wildlife Habitat team, it encourages students to engage in community education, habitat restoration, and systems change, fostering a sense of stewardship and leadership.

New School Campaigns

For those looking for a focused sustainability experience, EcoSchools is launching two new yearlong campaigns. The Schoolyard Habitats® campaign offers a structured approach to planning, building, and maintaining a Certified Schoolyard Habitats® garden. Whether it’s a pollinator garden supporting native bees and monarch butterflies or a rain garden to manage runoff, this campaign allows students to engage in hands-on engineering design and environmental stewardship.

The Resilient Schools and Communities (RiSC) campaign, developed in partnership with NWF’s NJ Affiliate, New Jersey Audubon, fosters meaningful connections between students and their communities, driving collective action for climate resilience. This learning experience invites students to explore climate vulnerability assessments, engage with their community, and collaboratively work on local climate resilience projects.

Get Involved

As we embark on this new school year, we’re thrilled to see participating districts and schools’ continued enthusiasm and innovation. EcoSchools U.S. seeks to collaborate with schools and districts to support their visions for resilient, just communities where people and wildlife thrive. Will you join us?

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