K–12 students from across the District will showcase grant projects having a sustainable impact on local schools
Washington, D.C., June 9, 2022— After two years of creatively showcasing student designs and ingenuity in a virtual space, EcoRise will host its 3rd Annual Washington, D.C. Student Innovation Showcase in person at John Lewis Elementary School in Washington, D.C. on June 9, 2022, from 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. in partnership with DC Public Schools (DCPS). RSVP for the event at https://dcshowcase22.eventbrite.com.
The Compost Crew representing C. W. Harris Elementary School posing at the 2019 DC Student Innovation Showcase.
The showcase will feature data-driven, STEM-based, sustainability projects designed by K–12 students from DCPS and local charter and private schools that solve a social or environmental issue in their school community. Student teams brought their projects to life by applying for EcoRise’s Student Innovation Fund, in which students must complete a campus environmental 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 must either reduce the campus’s environmental footprint or create public awareness around environmental issues.
EcoRise awarded more than $5,000 in micro-grants to 11 student teams in the D.C. area this school year thanks to sustaining partnerships with DC Public Schools and Southwest Airlines. Student projects range from improving school spaces, including vegetable and pollinator gardens, to purchasing reusable flatware to eliminate plastic waste in the school cafeteria.
“The creativity of our students’ projects emphasizes the importance of utilizing this moment to be bold and innovative to sustain a healthy planet for all,” said DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee. “We appreciate the partnership of EcoRise in creating these learning opportunities for our young environmental scientists.”
“Seeing the passion young leaders in Washington, D.C. have for improving their communities is awe inspiring. EcoRise is proud to connect teachers and students to resources to support their sustainability work,” says Jon Stott, Executive Director of EcoRise. “We can’t wait to learn from and celebrate these young changemakers on June 9th!”
This spring, EcoRise also hosted in-person Student Innovation Showcases in Austin and San Antonio, Texas, and virtual showcases for students in south Florida, New York City, and rural Texas. In total this school year, EcoRise has awarded approximately more than $67,600 in Eco-Audit Grant funding to 125 student sustainability projects across the United.
You can learn more and register for the 2nd Annual Washington, D.C. Student Innovation Showcase at https://dcshowcase22.eventbrite.com.
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/.
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.
