The annual MI Green Schools application period is open now through March 8, 2026!

Start Your Journey

• Explore the requirements for certification
• Plan your application using the draft application
• Submit your application through the online form

Application Support 

Before diving into the online portal, make a copy of the draft application. It includes helpful instructions and troubleshooting tips to guide you through the process. Since the online portal doesn’t have a save feature, planning your responses in advance is key. The draft is also a great tool for collaboration when you share it with others who helped complete activities at your school. Plus, you can reuse it year after year to track your progress and build on past efforts! 

In addition to the tips included on the draft application, check out these other resources: 

• Frequently Asked Questions 
• For questions about your school’s application, contact your local County Coordinator 
• For programming questions, contact the Statewide Coordinator, Samantha Lichtenwald, by emailing EGLE-MI-Green-Schools@Michigan.gov  
• For technical issues, contact EGLE’s GIS Services Unit by emailing EGLE-Maps@Michigan.gov  

Reminders 

• Application Deadline: Applications are due March 8, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. EST. Late submissions cannot be accepted due to the tight turnaround needed for reviewing, approving, and preparing awards materials for Earth Day celebrations. 

• Annual Certification Required: MI Green Schools certification is annual. Schools must apply each year to maintain their certified status. 

• Include Current School Year Activities: Applications should reflect activities completed during the 2025-2026 school year. You may include activities planned for March-June, but only if they are well-planned and confirmed, not just ideas. 

• Be Responsive to County Coordinators: Your County Coordinator may reach out for clarification or suggested changes to your application. Please keep an eye on your email and respond promptly to ensure timely certification approval. 

Ready to apply?

Submit your online application!

Online Webinar - Drawdown Stories: Climate Solutions in Our Words

Wednesday, January 21, 1:00pm-2pm ET

Register Here

This workshop introduces the power of climate storytelling as a tool for climate connection, education, and action. We’ll explore how personal narratives can bring climate science down to earth—making it human, local, and real. Drawing from Project Drawdown’s Neighborhood storytelling work, we’ll look at examples of how everyday people are shaping climate solutions. Participants will leave with a clearer sense of their own climate story and how to share it with courage and care.

Corresponding MI Green Schools Category and Activity: Reduce/Reuse/Recycle - Waste-free lunch program

We ReUSE is helping Michigan schools reduce waste, save money, and protect their students' health by making the switch to reusable stainless steel foodware with the help of a Circular Economy Grant from the State of Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

Schools across Michigan are already taking advantage of this unique opportunity to transition from single-use plastic and Styrofoam to healthier and more durable stainless steel foodware. Every tray is proudly made in the USA from 100% recycled stainless steel. Thanks to support from the subsidy partner, the price has been reduced by an incredible 80%, bringing the cost down to just $2 per tray. This subsidy is for schools switching from single-use plastic or Styrofoam to stainless-steel reusables.

To learn more about how your school can make the switch, please contact Connie Lilley by email at connie@wewillreuse.com or by phone at 248-897-1255.

Watch the webinar recording

View the speaker slides

Join the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for a virtual webinar to kick off the 2025-2026 MI Green Schools year.  Get inspired through presentations that highlight MI Green Schools activities, partners, and students.

This webinar is geared towards Michigan public and private school students, teachers, staff, and administrators interested in learning how their school can achieve environmental stewardship designation. Local and regional community partners are also encouraged to view the webinar to gain insights on how they can support schools in this journey.

Please reach out to Sam Lichtenwald at LichtenwaldS@Michigan.gov for any questions.