The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) awarded Prince William County Public Schools’ (PWCS) Environmental Literacy Program with the Educational Institution Sector Award as part of the 2024 Climate and Energy Leadership Awards.

“We are incredibly proud of the recognition our Environmental Literacy Program has received from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.,” said Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman-At-Large, PWC School Board. “This award highlights our commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, ensuring that all students have access to meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Our efforts not only contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also empower our students to become responsible stewards of the environment. Together, we are building a brighter, more sustainable future for Prince William County."

PWCS was among four local programs awarded for contributing to the COG regional goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting efforts to advance equity in traditionally disadvantaged communities.

The PWCS Environmental Literacy Plan published last school year aims to assist teachers across all grade levels. It offers suggested activities that foster cross-curricular connections by utilizing outdoor spaces and school buildings as educational tools. The plan also incorporates place-based experiential learning that aligns with state-mandated content and standards.

“PWCS firmly believes that every student deserves the opportunity to participate in hands-on, place-based, real-world experiences. Bringing the learning “home” makes it meaningful, memorable, and moves the entire school division toward sustainability. We all play a part and we all must be included,” said Melinda Landry, PWCS sustainability coordinator.

PWCS hosts an annual EcoQuest, formally known as Energy Challenge, where students can directly participate in the division’s energy conservation strategies.

There have been several events over the last year that have advanced PWCS’ commitment to sustainability, including adding a photovoltaic solar panel array at Beville Middle School, the first of its kind in PWCS. In addition, third-grade students at Featherstone Elementary School worked to implement more reusable water-bottle fillers at their school.

“Real-world water bottle data helps us see how people keep their bottles instead of throwing them away. It also shows how they recycle instead of polluting,” shared Izzy, a fourth-grade student at Featherstone Elementary. “It's important to educate people about single-use plastics because they will truly understand the meaning of saving water bottles. Our school installed more water-bottle fillers so people can refill their water bottles,” she added.

PWCS is the largest of only three school divisions in Virginia with an environmental literacy plan. The PWCS environmental literacy program supports the goals of the PWCS Vision 2025 Launching Thriving Futures Strategic Plan, as well as Virginia Department of Education’s goals for environmental literacy.