The U.S. Department of Education announced today that Eva Legard Center for Coastal and Environmental Studies in Baton Rouge, LA is among the 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award honorees.

Eva Legard Center was nominated by the Louisiana Department of Education.  ELCCES champions the use of STEM laboratories to engage students in initiatives such as composting, tending the garden, and cultivating and donating produce to the local food bank and nourishing class pets. Educators work with Louisiana State University’s College of the Coast and Environment to create project-based learning activities and with the Louisiana Environmental Action Network to help develop environmental justice curriculum. Students know the issues facing the Gulf Coast region because all seventh-grade students receive instruction on water, air, and energy topics, and all sixth-grade students take an agriculture class. All students are involved in a yearlong project that is aligned to standards in each subject area and revolves around issues that impact coastal Louisiana. The food education program focuses on growing food in hydroponic and traditional gardens and encourages students to try new foods.

Mr. Michael Butler, Principal, commented, “This is a big award. Our first award and it’s national. I think it demonstrates the focus of our school and the values we teach every day.”

Across the country, 41 schools, 10 districts, three postsecondary institutions, and one early learning center are being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education. The honorees were named from a pool of candidates nominated by 24 states.