Recent News and Updates

Annual sustainability project grant

New timeline! The 11th Annual Sustainability Project Grant application will open May 13, 2026, to be awarded in the fall of the 2026-27 school year.  

Schools can apply to support sustainability projects, including climate education, gardens & outdoor learning, environmental justice, and Climate Action Days. Schools can apply for either $5K in funding or a material category.

School-based staff, register for one of these information sessions to learn more:

• Thursday, May 14, 4-5 PM

• Thursday, June 4 10-11 AM

Learn more and apply for a Sustainability Project Grant by June 22.

Water Climate Action Day is When you make it!

While many schools will celebrate Water Climate Action Day on May 20, you can celebrate with your school community at any time that works best between now and the end of the school year.

Share this flyer with your school, encourage your students to bring reusable water bottles, and check out water-themed lessons and activities!

You, Me, and Water: Virtual Student engagement Session

• Wednesday, May 20

• 9-9:30AM

Start off the final Climate Action Day of the school year with a SPLASH! Join our student engagement event on May 20 to discover the ways that water connects us to the world. Get inspired with easy ways to do your part to save water, understand flooding risks, and protect our waterways!

Register your class or entire school to join, and find more ideas of how to bring Water Climate Action Day to your school community before the end of the year.

2026 Youth climate summit

Join us on either June 10 or 11 for a full day of climate action and education on Governor's Island! Co-planned by our Youth Leadership Council, the summit gives middle and high school students an opportunity to discover climate careers, explore environmental justice and leadership opportunities, make plans for the summer, and so much more. Register 5-20 students with required chaperones.

Learn more and register for the Youth Climate Summit by May 15.

Climate Solutions Start with Schools

Learn more about our office goals and achievements, including how we:

• Drive City emission reductions and waste diversion to create greener schools

• Invest in staff and students as climate leaders to transform instruction and policy

• Organize school communities around climate change action and opportunity

• Advocate for student well-being in sustainability plans and climate policies

Read more about the Office of Energy & Sustainability.