Clean & Green Schools Pilot Program
The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) is seeking K-12 schools in New York State to participate in a pilot program focused on the safe removal of old, outdated, or unsafe chemicals and implementation of green chemistry lab curricula to prevent future accumulations of hazardous chemicals.
We encourage schools that fit the following criteria to apply:
- are public or private K-12 school in New York State.
- have on-site educational lab space(s) at one or more school buildings or within a district.
- have support from school administration, science educators, and facilities staff.
- are prepared to participate in chemical cleanouts in early 2026.
- are willing to support teachers in completing required green chemistry professional development training.
- are willing to integrate green chemistry into their science curricula using resources provided by NYSP2I and their partner organization, Beyond Benign.
During the program, NYSP2I will:
- collaborate with school personnel to understand goals, concerns, and constraints.
- engage key stakeholders throughout the process.
- provide technical assistance in assessing chemical storage, inventory management, and chemical disposal.
- support chemical clean-outs via certified hazardous waste haulers (“lab pack” services).
- facilitate professional development training in green chemistry teaching approaches for science teachers through NYSP2I’s partner organization, Beyond Benign.
- provide educators with green chemistry lab curricula and resources.
Why work with NYSP2I?
- 17+ years of experience working with businesses, municipalities, and communities.
- We offer practical, cost-effective solutions for identifying and adopting safer chemicals and processes that reduce or eliminate hazardous substances.
- We partner with leading green chemistry practitioners to deliver educational training and resources that strengthen technical capacity and safety in school environments.
- Funding from New York State may cover the full amount of project costs.*
Interested in having NYSP2I help make your school cleaner & greener?
Click the button below to apply by January 15, 2026 (extended deadline).
Limited spots available for 2025–2026 pilot.
For questions, contact Sarah Briggs at skbgis@rit.edu.
*Organizations must meet eligibility requirements to qualify for NYS Pollution Prevention Institute funding. Coverage of up to 100% of project costs is not guaranteed and is subject to available funding and program criteria.
