Kalamazoo Public Schools issued the following announcement on Jan. 30.
A team of 12 students from Kalamazoo Central High School, the Kalamazoo Central Climate Advocates, is one of eight teams in the nation to win $10,000 in the Lexus Eco Challenge. The Lexus Eco Challenge, designed by Lexus and Scholastic in support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Agenda, is a nationwide education program and contest about the environment. It encourages middle and high school students to develop and implement environmental programs that positively impact their communities.
The KC Climate Advocates competed in the contest’s Air and Climate category. Supported by their advisor, teacher Josh Gottlieb, the students decided to focus on efforts to make Kalamazoo Public Schools a “greener” district. The students formed a partnership between Kalamazoo Public Schools, the U.S. Green Building Council, and Consumers Energy. The first step will be to have Consumers Energy “benchmark” the buildings in the district to identify opportunities for improvement. “After the students receive the data about the KPS high schools, the U.S. Green Building Council will bring in experts to mentor our students as they formulate proposed recommendations,” Gottlieb said.
Kalamazoo Central Principal Valerie Boggan said, “I am very proud of our students. They accepted the challenge by taking a stand and proving that a small group can bring big changes. They have already raised awareness in our school and educated others in our community about climate issues.”
The winning teams from the first-round of challenge are now invited to participate in the Final Challenge for a chance to win one of two grand prizes of $30,000 in grants and scholarships. Eight first-place prizes of $15,000 in grants and scholarships will also be awarded.
Cutline: Kalamazoo Central KC Climate Advocates win $10,000 eco challenge.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Kalamazoo Public Schools
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