GM and NWF Partner to Enhance Sustainability Education

DETROIT, May 3, 2015 /3BL Media/ – General Motors and the National Wildlife Federation are partnering to increase environmental education in schools. The new GM Eco-Green program will connect NWF’s network of over 3,700 participating Eco-Schools with local GM non-manufacturing facilities, dealers and suppliers. GM Eco-Green is NWF’s first large corporate-sponsored environmental outreach program, reaching thousands of students through community-based sustainability activities.

“The National Wildlife Federation is thrilled to partner with General Motors in connecting a network of K-12 Eco-Schools with GM employees,” said NWF CEO Collin O’Mara. “Together we will develop goals and on-the-ground actions that will result in local sustainability projects across the United States and help to foster the next generation of environmental stewards.”

The GM Eco-Green partnership invites GM employees, suppliers and dealers to sign up as mentors. Using NWF’s Eco-Schools USA framework, GM leaders engage K-12 students in authentic learning experiences that positively impact their environment and foster global change.

“The GM Eco-Green collaboration broadens our reach by serving communities beyond the cities where we have manufacturing operations,” said Greg Martin, GM’s executive director of sustainability. “With our dealers’ and suppliers’ help we can expand this program’s positive impact around the nation.”

The place-based, experiential program exposes students to STEM career paths while encouraging them to become effective future leaders, problem solvers and environmental stewards.

Projects have already launched, spanning both coasts from Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, to Buena Park, California, and places in between such as Okemos, Michigan, and Yuma, Arizona.

GM Eco-Green is also planning to expand beyond the U.S. with an international partnership with the Foundation for Environmental Education.

More about Eco-Schools. Since 2008, NWF has been the official U.S. host for Eco-Schools, an international green schools program created by the Foundation for Environmental Education.  Through Eco-Schools NWF organizes school-based action teams of students, administrators, educators and community volunteers. NWF's Eco-Schools USA combines effective "green" management of the school grounds, the facilities and the curriculum; truly providing students with a unique, research and application based learning experience. More information can be found at http://www.nwf.org/eco-schoolsusa

The National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest conservation organization inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future. More information can be found at http://www.nwf.org/.