The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), announced the 2024 recipients of the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) and the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) today, June 18.
“We are delighted to celebrate and recognize the remarkable contributions educators and students across our country make every day,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Our awardees exemplify commitment to environmental education and steadfast leadership in taking innovative approaches to protect human health and tackle climate change. To the awardees, we extend our sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship. We look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.”
“Environmental stewardship often begins in the classroom with young people and educators who are taking our planet’s most pressing climate change and environmental justice challenges head-on,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “This year’s awardees represent passionate and dedicated leaders who are tackling the climate crisis, improving public health, and delivering a more equitable future for all.”
The PIAEE award was established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act to recognize outstanding environmental projects performed by teachers who go beyond textbook instruction. The CEQ, in partnership with the EPA, administers this award.
The PEYA was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1970 to recognize community-level environmental projects by K-12 youth that promote awareness of natural resources and encourage positive community involvement.
Nine educators received the 2024 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators from across the country. These educators demonstrated leadership by integrating environmental education into multiple subjects using topics such as climate change, environmental justice, water infrastructure, waste management, water quality, environmentally friendly agricultural practices, STEM education, and school gardens.
Additionally, 29 students who worked individually or as a team on 13 projects received the President’s Environmental Youth Award. Their projects demonstrate commitment to advancing community garden efforts, addressing environmental justice concerns, reducing pollution, conserving water and energy, reducing food waste, combating climate change while encouraging community involvement.
For detailed information about winning projects: PEYA Winners and PIAEE Winners.
