K–12 students from across the District will showcase environmental impact grant projects on June 6, 2024
Washington, DC, June 4, 2024—DC Public Schools and EcoRise will host the 5th Annual Washington, DC Student Innovation Showcase at Duke Ellington School of the Arts on June 6, 2024, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. The community and press are invited to celebrate and learn from local youth leaders who have implemented sustainability and climate projects at schools across the DC metro area this school year. RSVP for the event at https://DCShowcase.eventbrite.com.
The largest DC showcase to date will feature 17 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, including improving indoor air quality, waste management, and student well-being, reducing energy use, spreading awareness about environmental injustice, and more.
“The next generation has bold ideas and unparalleled imagination when it comes to improving the world around them. EcoRise is proud to support the caring scholars in the DC metro area to have a tangible impact on sustainability and social issues in their school communities,” said Jon Stott, Co-Executive Director of EcoRise. “And we are thrilled to provide the opportunity for the community to connect with, learn from, and celebrate these innovative young changemakers on June 6th.”
“I am proud of our students for channeling their courage and innovation to address some of our community’s greatest needs, and I want to thank EcoRise for organizing this important effort,” said DC Public Schools Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee.”
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 $12,000 in micro-grants to 15 student teams in the DC 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 5th Annual Washington, DC Student Innovation Showcase at https://DCShowcase.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 currently supports more than 7,300 teachers in helping over 409,000 students solve real-world sustainability challenges concerning energy, water, waste, transportation, air quality, food, and public spaces. To learn more about EcoRise, visit www.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
