Fig 1. Photo from Carl Ziegler at Federal Hill Preparatory School of the school’s Green Team-led spring clean-up.
What is the Challenge?
The Green, Healthy, Smart Challenge (GHSC) is a sustainability funding award program that empowers Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) students to lead environmental projects in their schools and communities. Funded by the Baltimore Office of Sustainability, GHSC provides financial support for student-led initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, improve school grounds, and advance sustainability goals.
Through this program, students gain hands-on experience developing and implementing projects that address key environmental issues such as waste reduction, energy conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable food systems. Students work as a team, commonly referred to as a Green Team, which is overseen by a staff member at the students’ respective school. A Green Team is a group of students, staff, and sometimes community members dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability within their school.
GHSC encourages creativity and leadership by giving students the opportunity to identify environmental challenges and design innovative solutions. Schools can apply for funding to support projects that align with sustainability best practices, such as establishing recycling programs, creating outdoor learning spaces, or improving access to green spaces. By participating in GHSC, students develop skills in teamwork, project management, and environmental advocacy, contributing to a greener, healthier, and smarter Baltimore.
Green Teams have the opportunity to apply for varying levels of funding to support their sustainability projects. All City Schools are eligible to apply for up to $1,300, while teams at certified Maryland Green Schools can apply for up to $1,800. Additionally, teams located in the South Baltimore Gateway region, as defined by the National Aquarium and the Casino Local Impact Funds (CLIF) Program, may apply for up to $2,500 to further enhance their environmental initiatives.
Support for the Green, Healthy, Smart Challenge is generously provided by the Constellation, Baltimore Community Foundation, City Schools, CLIF, and others.
Questions? Contact Joanna Pi-Sunyer at jpi-sunyer@bcps.k12.md.us or Ebone Smith at ebone.smith@baltimorecity.gov.
Green, Healthy, Smart Challenge Application Process
The Baltimore City Office of Sustainability, in partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools, is excited to announce the launch of the application period for the 2025-2026 academic school year. This year, applications will be accepted from Monday, August 18, 2025 to Monday, October 20, 2025. Following the conclusion of the application period, submitted applications will be reviewed and approval or denial letters will be disseminated in early-mid November. More information about the 2025-2026 application can be found here. You can submit your application for the Green, Healthy, Smart Challenge using this Google Form.
History
In 2010, the Green, Healthy, Smart Challenge program provided support to 16 Baltimore City public schools for projects focused on waste reduction, conservation, and greening. Projects were designed and led by "Green Teams" of students and adult helpers. Over the next several years, the program expanded into more areas, including energy, healthy food, and water.
As of 2020, approximately $668,595 has been distributed through the program to a total of 133 schools, representing over three-quarters of the schools in the district! These projects have engaged thousands of students in making hands-on improvements to their schools and communities. Projects completed through the Challenge have included a working wind turbine, a schoolyard chicken coop, a recycled fashion show, and just about anything else you can think of!
As of 2025, 136 schools have received GHSC funds since the onset of the program in 2010, totaling approximately 84.5% of all schools; however, 10 of those schools have subsequently been closed. Since 2022, 62 out of 161 schools in the Baltimore City Public School System have received funding from the GHSC. Since 2019, 27 Green Team leaders have reported: 4,146 students supported Green Team sustainability projects, 17,071 students from the general student body benefited from Green Team projects, 288 teachers and school staff, and 397 community volunteers were involved in project implementation. These numbers show substantial impact, not just in the schools, but throughout the community. School gardens provide food to students and community members to help familiarize students with where food comes from and with new vegetables and recipes. Tree plantings help to address poor air quality issues, creating healthier environments for learning and living. These initiatives demonstrate how the GHSC contributes to systemic change by addressing both environmental and social challenges in neighborhoods.
Stories
Learn more about some of the great work happening at our schools!