YCS - Growing a Greener Tomorrow

Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS) proudly announces that multiple schools across the district have earned recognition through the Michigan Green Schools Program, a statewide initiative supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

This distinction honors schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting Michigan’s air, land, water, and wildlife through environmental education and sustainable practices led by scholars and staff.

District Achievement

YCS schools were recognized at multiple levels based on their environmental impact:

These recognitions reflect a unified, districtwide effort to integrate sustainability into daily learning and operations.

YCS Sustainability activities

Across the district, scholars are actively engaged in hands-on environmental learning and leadership through initiatives such as:

Waste Reduction & Recycling:

• Participation in county recycling programs, composting with worm bins, textile recycling, and         lunchroom share tables

Clean Energy & Conservation:

• Solar energy use, motion-sensor lighting, and electric school buses

 Water & Environmental Protection:

• Rain gardens, water bottle filling stations, and Great Lakes watershed education

Outdoor Learning Spaces:

• The Grizzly Forest outdoor classroom, pollinator gardens, orchard, native prairies (4), and greenhouses (2)

Sustainable Practices:

• Digital communication platforms, online textbooks, and reuse initiatives like little book libraries and book vending machines

STEAM & Environmental Education:

• Scholars engage in alternative energy units, Earth Day activities, environmental research, and community partnerships, such as SEMIS, Willow Run Acres, Growing Hope, DTE Energy presentations.

Growing Future Environmental Leaders

Through these efforts, YCS continues to empower scholars to become environmental stewards, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to lead sustainable change in their communities.

Thank you to our partners!

SEMIS

Growing Hope

Willow Run Acres