Oakland, CA., March 7, 2011 - Leadership Public School College Park is seeing green, literally and figuratively. The school has just been awarded $5,000 as part of State Farm California’s Environmental Grant Program. The school was recognized for their Green Pioneers program.
Leadership Public School College Park (LPSCP) is one of five schools in California to receive the State Farm grant, which goes to support student-led programs that focus on community and environmental efforts. LPSCP’s green program will use the Castlemont Community Garden as an outdoor learning and demonstration space to raise awareness about environmental issues and help community members learn to lead environmentally sustainable and healthy lives.
“We are very grateful to State Farm for helping us fulfill our mission of creating student leaders who reach out to the community to support a greener, healthier and more peaceful East Oakland,” said Sarah Johnson, a high school biology teacher and Green Pioneers program coordinator. LPSCP and Communities for a Better Environment are integral partners in the ongoing success of the Green Pioneers program.
Programs considered for the grants needed to address an environmental initiative in driving, recycling, promoting healthy lifestyles, or community outreach. The programs also included intentional ties to classroom academics while addressing green issues.
“It has been inspiring to see the creativity and dedication of the students and schools,” said Heidi Worman, a State Farm claim section manager who helped jumpstart the environmental grant program. “We are excited to hear about the results of their projects and the continued impact on the community.”
This wonderful learning and teaching opportunity at LPSCP will culminate in the “Green is Good for Every Neighborhood” Earth Day celebration on April 30. There will be a rally and Green Festival where the students’ hard work will be on display for the whole community.
“State Farm is committed to advancing education and these environmental grants further support our work in the service-learning field,” said Camille Garcia, State Farm Public Affairs assistant manager. “We applaud the efforts of all the schools who submitted grants and look forward to seeing each of the winning schools bring their visions to reality!”
Other California schools that will be receiving the grants include:
Sevag A. Sarkissian, MPA, Public Affairs Specialist, (510) 596-1639.
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