LACEY – Sustainable Jersey for Schools recently announced that 46 New Jersey schools and school districts have been selected to receive Sustainable Jersey for Schools grants funded by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). There were eleven $10,000 grants and thirty-five $2,000 grants that were distributed to fund a variety of sustainability projects in schools.
“This is an important program that directs resources into our schools and NJEA is proud to continue to work with Sustainable Jersey,” said NJEA Vice President Sean Spiller in a press release. “It is our job to help create a new generation of engaged citizens and leaders. We help ensure that we leave a better world for our students when we emphasize the value of sustainability.”
Of the 46 schools chosen, three schools from Lacey Township received $2,000 grants including Lanoka Harbor Elementary, Mill Pond Elementary, and Lacey Township High School.
Each of these schools will use the funds to enact sustainability programs within their schools to help educate students on various sustainability practices. These schools will enact programs to place a water bottle refilling station in the hallway, replace broken water fountains with new water bottle refilling stations, or outfit water fountains with water bottle refilling stations. These programs will help students recognize the benefits of sustainability efforts while reducing the amount of plastic from water bottles.
“The Lacey Township School District is so very thankful to be recognized by Sustainable Jersey for Schools NJEA grant program,” said Craig Wigley, Superintendent of the Lacey Township School District. “Our green teams and sustainability initiatives have been passionately embraced across the district and now thankfully recognized at the Lanoka Harbor School, Mill Pond School and Lacey Township High School. We hope to see more recognition and as our sustainability efforts continue into the future.”
Through these grants, NJEA has provided $750,000 to support a sustainable future for children across the state through the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program.
“Congratulations to the grant recipients. Sustainable Jersey for Schools aims to empower schools with the funding needed to implement important sustainability actions,” said Randall Solomon, executive director for Sustainable Jersey. “We look forward to the completion of these projects and the ongoing efforts of these schools and school districts. The NJEA-funded grants allow communities to come together to improve outcomes for students, staff and the environment.”
