Â鶹Éç

What’s happening?

Â鶹Éç is shifting from a certification model to a student stipend model. We’re still supporting green schools and students, just in a different, more impactful, and equitable way!

We’re also moving to (NBI)! NBI is a Portland-based nonprofit that works to move buildings to zero energy and zero emissions. We’ll no longer be a standalone nonprofit, but will be a program housed under the NBI umbrella within the that has an aligned mission and vision.

Why is Â鶹Éç shifting to student stipends?

Interest in green school certification has waned in the post-pandemic years. Also, there are a lot of other organizations at the state and national level that offer similar programs, such as , , and .

In our conversations with school districts, local governments, and other partners, we’ve uncovered a great interest and need for a student stipend program. To better meet the needs of students and schools, Â鶹Éç’ board voted to shift to a student stipend model to fill this gap.

Why is Â鶹Éç moving to NBI?

Historically, Â鶹Éç has been run by an all-volunteer board with part-time assistance from a program coordinator and support from a network of regional coordinators. Although volunteers and staff have put a lot of hard work and dedication into Â鶹Éç, we simply do not have the capacity to continue to run the organization. NBI will have dedicated staff and resources for Â鶹Éç.

How will the student stipends work?

Details are still being ironed out, but students will apply to receive stipends for completing green projects at their schools. An Â鶹Éç advisory group will review and approve applications. This new model fosters student leadership and engagement.

What’s happening to the certification program?

NBI will continue to make the certification materials available on its website, but will not be actively certifying schools. The Â鶹Éç website and its resources will also continue to stay online - so feel free to bookmark this page! Districts, local governments, nonprofits, and like-minded organizations can adopt their own certification program using the . This toolkit includes templates and resources to create your own program and certify as an Oregon Green School.

What about regional coordinators?

NBI will continue to maintain the regional coordinator network. Meetings will be quarterly and all interested in supporting Oregon schools in their sustainability journey are welcome! To join the calendar invite or find out more, please email schools@newbuildings.org.

When will the student stipend program be up and running?

Look for the newly-launched Â鶹Éç student stipend program in the coming year! Sign up for the to get updates.

How do I contact Â鶹Éç moving forward?

Our website will stay the same. You can contact the schools team at NBI at schools@newbuildings.org.