Fast Track: Beyond the Green Ribbon

Learn about the Beyond the Green Ribbon Fast Track on this page and explore resources.

The Minnesota GreenStep Schools’ Beyond the Green Ribbon Fast Track invites Green Ribbon schools to deepen their sustainability leadership through a flexible, voluntary program built by and for participants. Grounded in statewide best‑practice frameworks and supported by a broad community of educators, students, families, and partner organizations, the pilot helps schools expand the work they’ve already begun—strengthening environmental quality, health and wellness, organizational leadership, and sustainability education. By joining the Fast Track, schools step into a growing movement that protects what communities love, builds long‑term resilience, and celebrates meaningful progress through GreenStep recognition levels!

2026-MNGSS-FastTrack Packet-compressed.pdf

The Outreach Packet Includes:

Introduction to Minnesota GreenStep Schools and why the program exists
Benefits of participation, including community support, recognition, and long‑term growth.
Program principles — voluntary, flexible, free, and designed by/for participants
Overview of GreenStep’s best practice areas across leadership, environmental impact, health, and education.
The FAQ section addresses why schools should go beyond Green Ribbon and how the programs align.
Participant types (districts, schools, youth clubs, resource organizations)
GreenStep by the numbers, showing statewide reach and momentum.
Fast Track Pilot steps, from Letter of Intent to Green Team formation to project story review.
Recognition pathway for achieving Level 1 & 2 at the MN School Boards Association Conference.
List of past Green Ribbon schools and estimated best‑practice actions completed
Invitation to collaborate and help shape the pilot for future schools and communities.

Customized Support for Green Teams!

The Fast Track Pilot Team Slide Deck is a streamlined planning tool that helps Green Ribbon school teams understand the MN GreenStep Schools process, organize their documentation, and present the Fast Track pathway to colleagues. It highlights the program’s purpose—supporting schools as they move “beyond the Green Ribbon” toward Level 1 & 2 recognition or higher—and gives teams a clear structure for tracking progress and deadlines.

Note: The linked slide deck is for reference only, and the contact information may be outdated; teams participating will receive an up-to-date deck with customized information. For more information, contact MNGreenStepSchools@gmail.com

PPT-FAST TRACK MNGSS PILOT-TEAM SLIDE DECK1.pdf

Collaborative Key Elements:

Space for teams to document their Green Team members and roles.
Instructions for reviewing and customizing draft project stories based on Green Ribbon achievements.
Award ceremony details and preparation checklist.

Schools receive direct support from MNGSS staff to develop and refine their project stories, gather important information from past Green Ribbon applications, and provide ongoing follow‑up throughout the process!

Fall 2025 Fast Track Participants

Harbor City International School

Harbor City International School achieved GreenStep Level 3 on Jan 15. 2026! HCIS views sustainable advocacy as an ongoing journey, not a one-time achievement, and a continuous way to stay accountable. HCIS has a long history of promoting well-being across environmental, mental, and nutritional health for its students, staff, and local community, and of advocating for the biodiversity around them. Explore HCIS's Project Story to learn more!

Eden Prairie Schools

Eden Prairie Schools achieved GreenStep Level 3 on Jan. 15, 2026! Their mission is to “Inspire Each Student Every Day,” and one of its five core values is that “Community benefits when each person contributes.” Eden Prairie Schools’ “EP” earnestly expresses the district’s commitment to “Each Person,” which it realizes by designing authentic, personalized learning experiences that are relevant and adaptable to an evolving future. Explore Eden Prairie Schools' Project Story to learn more!

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