CA-GRS

Applicant Toolkit

Click the graphic below to learn about all the possible features of a green school.

Please complete the following self-assessment to identify the sections of the application that you have already completed.

GRS Accomplishments Self-Assessment

This graphic represents the growth model for participating in the CA Green Ribbon Schools application process.

Implementation Phase: Your team will develop routines and strategies to promote environmentally sustainable best-practices for your community, district, and school.
Initial Writing Phase: Your team will learn about the CA-GRS program before brainstorming, collaborating, and writing the first draft of your application.
Refinement/Enhancement Writing Phase: Your team will want to refine and enhance sections of your application during this phase.
Finalization Phase: Your application will be finalized and submitted during the Finalization Phase.
Reflection Phase: Your team will reflect on the application process and identify the next steps of your CA-GRS Awards Program journey.

Inouye, N., & Bilse, K. (2022). CA Green Ribbon Schools Program Technical Guide. Ventura County Office of Education.

AY - Blank Template for District Green Ribbon Project Management

Use this document to assign duties to your team members. There are also links to several resources that can help your team complete the application.

Additional application project management tools include:

Download and utilize these slide decks as digital notebooks that your entire application team can edit asynchronously.

Once completed, you can export the information into your official application.

NOTE: The application has updates for the 2026 application that are not reflected in these slide decks. List of 2026 Updates

Pillar 1 CA GRS Questions

Pillar 2 CA GRS Questions

Pillar 3 CA GRS Questions

Click the button below to complete the Application Interest Survey and receive an application.

Applications are due by noon on November 17, 2025.

Request the Official Application

CA Green Ribbon Schools Resource Links

California Green Ribbon Schools (CA-GRS) Application Resources

George Garcia, CA Green Ribbon School Program Lead, Statewide, ggarcia@cde.ca.gov, (916) 322-0310
Andra Yeghoian, Chief Innovation Officer at Ten Strands, Statewide Green Ribbon Technical Assistance Support - learn more here about Ten Strands Green Ribbon Services, ayeghoian@tenstrands.org
Paul Chapman, Executive Director at Inverness Associates, (Private Schools) Statewide, pchapman5@gmail.com, (510) 520-6657
Jenn Mutch, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Coordinator, Santa Clara County, jmutch@sccoe.org, (408) 453-6691
Julie Hilborn, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Coordinator, San Mateo County, jhilborn@smcoe.org, (650) 802-5406
Jeff Rivero, Two time U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Honoree, Merced County, jrivero@muhsd.org
Katie Beck, STEM Coordinator, Orange County, kbeck@ocde.us, (714) 966-4410
Crystal Starr Howe, Environmental Literacy Coordinator, San Diego County, crystal.howe@sdcoe.net, (858) 298-2011
Tim Baird, "Retired Superintendent Sustainability Consultant", San Diego County, cupofsupe@gmail.com, (760) 519-6188

Page updated

Report abuse