Greenhill School Receives Grant for Environmental Education Program

Earlier this year, Greenhill received a $100,000 matching grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation to establish a comprehensive environmental science education program, including the construction of a greenhouse, Blackland prairie ecosystem installation, and outdoor learning spaces for pre-K to grade 12.

The matching grant means that Greenhill must raise an additional $100,000 in order to receive the full amount from the Foundation, effectively doubling the impact of community contributions.

“It is an incredible honor and privilege to receive this generous support from the Edward E. Ford Foundation,” shared Head of School Lee Hark. “This grant affirms our commitment to innovative education as we prepare students to lead authentic, purposeful lives. It will allow us to provide Greenhill students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences that will shape how they understand science, sustainability, and their role in the world.”

This initiative will focus on the local Blackland prairie ecosystem and vegetable gardening, and focus on the following objectives:

Educational Excellence: Provide students with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that enhance their understanding in the sciences, arts, and humanities.
Sustainability: Foster a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship among students, staff, and the broader community.
Ecosystem Restoration: Restore and maintain a section of the Blackland Prairie, promoting biodiversity and ecological health on school grounds.
Community Resource: Establish Greenhill School as a regional and national resource for ecosystem restoration, offering professional development and training for educators from various schools.
Service Learning: Students recognize problems or opportunities, design and implement solutions.
Social Emotional Learning: Combatting what Richard Louv calls “The Nature Deficit Disorder” with intentional time away from screens and practicing Greenhill’s core principles: compassion, courage, excellence, and integrity.
Social Entrepreneurship: Selling native plants in the fall and spring to Greenhill and the broader community.

OptimizedImage,,,Optimized

“This grant will help our students gain a deeper understanding of foundational science concepts, but it goes beyond that,” emphasized Middle School science teacher Gretchen Pollom. “It will connect them to the land in a powerful way and show them that no matter where they are, they have the ability to make a positive impact on their environment and community.”

The proposed environmental education program represents an innovative and impactful approach to fostering environmental stewardship and scientific literacy. By restoring a section of the Blackland Prairie and creating robust educational opportunities, this initiative will serve as a model for schools nationwide, contributing to the preservation of vital ecosystems.

The generosity of the Greenhill community is essential in ensuring that the School can receive the full $100,000 from the Edward E. Ford Foundation and have the ability to implement these transformational projects. If you would like to contribute to helping Greenhill reach their $100,000 fundraising goal, please contact Chief Development Officer Aaron White at whitea@greenhill.org.