Green Centers Application Process

The following are important deadlines for the 2025-2026 academic year.

• • Intent to Apply Due: Monday, December 15, 2025
  • Preliminary Review Sessions: February 2026
  • Submission Windows:
    • New schools may submit starting February 23, 2026.
    • Renewing schools may submit anytime after the Intent to Apply deadline of December 15, 2025.
    • All applications are due by March 2, 2026.
  • Announcements: On or around Earth Day
  • Youth Summit at Sandy Point State Park: Thursday, May 28, 2026

Complete and submit the following required application materials:

1. Intent to Apply: Complete the Intent to Apply form and pay the $125 fee by December 16, 2024. If a check is used for payment, mail it payable to MAEOE at P.O. Box 1103 Edgewater, MD 21037.
2. Center Cover Sheet and Summary: Complete the following cover sheet and include it with your center's application. Write a brief summary of your center's green culture at the beginning of your application. Double-check your application number and the year you will submit your application. If you are unsure of the application number, check the Green Centers list here.
3. Top Five Accomplishments: Include one sentence or phrase for each accomplishment, to be read at the Youth Summit Awards Ceremony.
4. Goal Summary (Applications 4, 5, and beyond): Describe your center's goals for the next 4, 8, and 12 years. Include details on how to make them successful, the people involved, and expected outcomes.
5. Center Metrics Survey: Complete the survey to demonstrate the impact of green actions taken.
6. Objectives 1, 2, and 3: Complete application items for each objective. NOTE: Applications 5 and beyond will complete a simplified application.
7. Application Submission Window:
   • New centers may submit starting February 24, 2025.
   • Renewing centers may submit anytime after the Intent to Apply deadline of December 16, 2024.
   • All applications are due by March 3, 2025.
   • You will receive a confirmation email upon submitting your application. If not received, email applications@maeoe.org.
8. Register to Attend the Youth Summit: The Youth Summit will be held on May 29, 2025 at Sandy Point State Park. This is an opportunity for organizations to interact with schools from all across Maryland, as well as a celebration for successful Green School and Green Center awards in the 2024-2025 school year.

Depending on when you received Sustainable Green School status (Application 4), you'll be required to reapply every four years to maintain your status; however, Sustainable centers have a simplified application process. Access the Sustainable centers application checklist below.

Sustainable Centers (Application 5) worksheet

• • Info Session Dates
  • Info Session Recording
  • Info Session Presentation

Funding is available for Green Centers to host professional development workshops for teachers! Visit our 2024-2025 Funding page and select "Teacher Professional Development Grants" from the dropdown menu for more information.