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.

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

End of Year Classroom Cleanout

Have extra supplies to clean out? Don’t throw them out!

Reduce waste and save supplies for Summer Rising and the following school year. Organize a material swap to drop off and trade excess materials within your school community or designate a space to collect, store, and reuse classroom supplies.

Find resources and guides to keep classroom supplies out of landfills at the end of the school year.

End of Year Classroom Cleanout.

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!

Tell us about your Climate Action Day, and you will be entered into a raffle for a set of zero-waste items.

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.

Registration is now closed.

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.