$180,000 in Grants Drives Sustainability Innovation in 38 New Jersey Schools
on Mar 30, 2026
NJEA funding supports hands-on environmental learning and community impact
Today, Sustainable Jersey for Schools awarded $180,000 in grants to 38 New Jersey public schools and districts, supporting a wide range of projects that bring sustainability to life in classrooms and communities. The funding, provided by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), includes thirteen $10,000 grants and twenty-five $2,000 grants.
The funded initiatives reflect the growing momentum for sustainability education across the state. Projects include outdoor learning spaces and school gardens; hydroponics and food production systems; food waste reduction programs such as share tables; energy conservation and data analysis; hands-on STEM and environmental learning; and efforts to improve student wellness, accessibility, and community engagement.
Review the:
- List of Grant Recipients and Project Descriptions
- Quotes From Principals and Superintendents Receiving Grants
“Congratulations to all of this year's grant winners,” said NJEA President Steve Beatty. “By winning sustainability grants for their school districts, the educators who will implement these programs are, in a practical sense, ensuring a safer, healthier, and fairer world for future generations. By providing young people with the opportunity to take an active role in bringing forth positive change, these grant winners empower future sustainability leaders. In doing so, their impact will be felt for years to come. As a justice-centered union committed to the pursuit of equity, NJEA is proud to partner with Sustainable Jersey for Schools as they advance their mission of creating schools and communities where local environments and economies work together for everyone.”
“These grants support innovative projects that connect classroom learning with real-world impact,” said Sustainable Jersey Executive Director Randall Solomon. “We appreciate the New Jersey Education Association’s ongoing partnership in advancing sustainability in schools across the state.” In addition to $2.75 million in grant funding and program assistance, NJEA supports Sustainable Jersey for Schools as a program underwriter. An independent Blue-Ribbon Selection Committee evaluated the grant proposals.