K–12 students from across the District will showcase environmental impact grant projects on June 1, 2023
Washington, D.C. (May 31, 2023) — EcoRise will host the 4th Annual Washington, D.C. Student Innovation Showcase at Banneker Academic High School in on June 1, 2023 from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. in partnership with DC Public Schools (DCPS). The community and press are invited to celebrate and learn from local youth leaders who have implemented sustainability projects at schools across the District this school year. RSVP for the event at https://dcshowcase23.eventbrite.com.
The showcase will feature data-driven sustainability projects designed by K–12 students from DCPS and local charter schools that solve a social or environmental issue in their school community. Join us to discover this year’s projects which include improving indoor air quality, water quality, and recycling, installing solar charging stations for laptops, growing produce, creating social-emotional learning spaces to support student mental health, and more.
“I’m always amazed by our students’ innovative and cutting-edge ideas to find solutions to some of our community’s biggest environmental needs,” said Chancellor Lewis Ferebee. “We’re grateful to our partners for offering environmental curricula and programs that provide our students with an interactive learning environment and spark their creativity as they embark on the admirable feat to change the world.”
“Activating and supporting young people’s ideas is key to achieving a healthier, more just, and more sustainable world. DC-area students are passionate about improving their communities, and EcoRise is proud to support and grow their work,” said Jon Stott, Executive Director of EcoRise. “We are excited to provide the opportunity for the community to connect with, learn from, and celebrate these young changemakers on June 1st.”
Student teams brought their projects to life by applying for EcoRise’s Student Innovation Fund, in which students must complete a school audit in one or more areas of sustainability (e.g. water, waste, energy, food) and design a project to address an issue identified during the audit. The student-designed projects either reduce the school’s environmental footprint or create public awareness around environmental issues in the community.
EcoRise has awarded more than $7,600 in micro-grants to 10 student teams in the D.C. area so far this school year, with more grant applications still being completed, thanks to sustaining partnerships with DC Public Schools and Southwest Airlines. You can learn more and register for the 4th Annual Washington, D.C. Student Innovation Showcase at https://dcshowcase23.eventbrite.com.
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About Ecorise
EcoRise mobilizes a new generation of leaders to design healthy, just, and thriving communities for all. The national non-profit organization offers a range of curricula and programs for students, teachers, school districts, and partners, designed to advance environmental literacy, sustainable schools, and equitable access to green career pathways. EcoRise is currently supporting more than 8,000 teachers in helping over 400,000 students solve real-world sustainability challenges concerning energy, water, waste, transportation, air quality, food, and public spaces. To learn more about EcoRise, visit ecorise.org.
About District of Columbia Public Schools
DC Public Schools provides rigorous and joyful learning experiences to nearly 50,000 students in Washington, DC. Together, DC Public Schools teachers, leaders, and families work to make every student feel loved, challenged, and prepared to positively influence society and thrive in life. Learn more at https://dcps.dc.gov/.
Media Contacts
Laura Fuller, EcoRise, laura@ecorise.org
Enrique Gutierrez, DC Public Schools, Enrique.Gutierrez@k12.dc.gov
