$10,000 Per School Available for Student Climate Projects
We are thrilled to announce the Climate Friendly Public Schools program which will provide $10,000 per school, per year for student-led climate projects with an additional $5,000 available to support staff advising and central coordination of program development. Funding is provided by the Portland Clean Energy Fund and is available to all middle schools, high schools, and K-8s. The program will run for the next five years!
Check out our website for everything you need to know, including FAQs, upcoming deadlines, and how to form a project team.
As much as we would love to go to every classroom in PPS to let students know about this amazing opportunity, we don’t have the capacity to do so. Which is why we’ve created this (slightly silly) short (3 min.) promotional video that ANY teacher can show in class to let students know about the program and how they can get involved.
Our main ask:
Show the video to all your class periods.
Pass the link around to other teachers to show as well.
If any of your students are curious about getting involved, help them navigate to our website (www.pps.net/studentclimateprojects) to learn more.
Students can also hear directly from the Portland Clean Energy Fund THIS Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Sign up now for a PCEF informational webinar designed for students who want to learn more about the program.
- What: A 60-minute session to hear from PCEF staff and learn all about the new Climate Friendly Public Schools program.
- When: Oct. 9, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Where: Over zoom. Register here.
- Who: Any student in Portland interested in utilizing PCEF's student climate funds.
Thank you for helping spread the word.
Climate Justice Youth Advisory (CJYA)
PPS is excited to share two student climate leadership opportunities, the Climate Justice Youth Advisory (CJYA) and the Climate Crisis Response Committee.
The PPS Climate Justice Youth Advisory (CJYA) is made up of dedicated and passionate high school students from across the district and acts as thought partners in defining the Climate Justice department's goals for climate action, student leadership, and community engagement.
The Climate Crisis Response Committee (CCRC) provides insight and feedback for the District in setting goals and milestones, and engages with public comment about opportunities and challenges related to the Climate Crisis Response Policy.
Apply here to the CJYA & CCRC today! (And don't worry about the deadline listed on the application.)
The 2024-25 school year marks an incredible step forward in the health of the Portland community. Through a statewide program called the Student Success Act, Portland Public Schools now offers free breakfast and lunch program for all students! Families do not need to submit a free and reduced-price meal application. All PPS students are automatically enrolled in this program.
PPS is helping set the standard for free meals in Oregon: Hunger Free Oregon and the Oregon Food Bank are preparing a bill in the 2025 legislative session that would provide free meals to all Oregon students.
We are extremely proud to participate in a movement to help students live healthy lives. Universal free lunch programs are a critical part of any equitable school systems. They help ensure all students are fed and ready to learn, and cutout burdensome social, financial, and administrative barriers that can disproportionally harm families of color and low income families.
For more information, check out pps.net/nutrition and check out the story in OregonLive.
Cafeteria Resources
Safe Routes to Schools
PPS continues to lead the way getting students to and from school with active transportation through walking, biking, and rolling. Active transportation is great for the environment, builds community, and improves outcomes for student health and academic achievement! Thanks again to all of our amazing parent and staff volunteers who make this possible!
There are two upcoming event days to support your students and your school community getting to school by people-power.
- International Walk & Roll to School Day is on October 9th!
- Ruby Bridges Walk & Roll to School Day is on November 14th!
Additionally, Safe Routes to Schools is offering 25 microgrants for the 2024 - 25 school year.
- Grants are $500 each
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
- For more information visit: Regional Safe Routes to School program | Metro (oregonmetro.gov)
Phi Nguyen
Phi Nguyen is a new AmeriCorps member at the PPS Climate Justice department serving as the Data Coordinator. Thanks to his analytical background, Phi brings a unique perspective to this position and is passionate about supporting PPS as it endeavors to improve climate education in schools.
