Student Leaders in Sustainability Grant

The Student Leaders in Sustainability Grant is an initiative spearheaded by the City of New Albany’s Sustainability Advisory Board to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and community-driven innovation among the city’s youth. This grant program reflects the city’s commitment to empowering students in grades 6 through 12 to lead sustainability-focused projects that have a tangible impact on their community. The program is structured to encourage creativity while maintaining alignment with the Advisory Board’s four key priorities: community waste reduction, renewable and solar energy, the natural environment, and community education and engagement. With this initiative, the city seeks to support student-led projects that contribute to long-term environmental awareness and improvement. The grant is open to individual students or groups, such as school clubs, sports teams, religious youth groups, or scouting troops, provided that a majority of the participants are residents of New Albany, Ohio. Notably, applicants do not have to attend New Albany-Plain Local Schools; eligibility extends to students at other schools, religious institutions, and community programs in the area. Each applicant or team must designate an adult advisor—such as a teacher, coach, or youth group leader—who will supervise the project and ensure its safe and successful execution. Parents may not serve as advisors unless they also hold a qualifying supervisory role. Applicants must use the official online form to submit their proposals by 5 PM on August 26, 2026. Prior to submission, students are encouraged to attend the February 12, 2025 Sustainability Advisory Board meeting to ask questions and discuss project ideas directly with board members. Alternatively, they may reach out via email to Chelsea Nichols, Planner II, at [email protected] for guidance. Proposals must include a detailed project description, a proposed budget with itemized quotes, and documented support from the location where the project will be implemented. The application process places particular emphasis on student planning, project feasibility, community engagement, and the alignment with the stated sustainability priorities. The City of New Albany will not disburse funds directly to students. Instead, city staff will manage the grant funds by purchasing approved materials and supplies as outlined in the applicants’ proposed budgets. Students are responsible for gathering quotes and working with their advisor and city staff to ensure all purchases align with the project's scope and remain within budget. Additionally, students must secure written approval from the location where the project will be implemented, such as a school, park, or community center, before any materials are purchased. The selection process is competitive, with the Sustainability Advisory Board evaluating each proposal based on alignment with sustainability goals, the extent of community impact, the feasibility and clarity of the plan, and whether the project is truly student-led. While preference is given to proposals that incorporate community education and engagement alongside one or more other priority areas, the board retains discretion to fund lower-scoring applications to promote diversity in project types and minimize redundancy. All projects must be completed by the end of the 2026 calendar year. Overall, the Student Leaders in Sustainability Grant represents an opportunity for students in New Albany to gain hands-on experience in environmental leadership, civic responsibility, and project implementation. Through this initiative, the City aims to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious citizens equipped with the tools and confidence to make a difference in their community.

Preference for projects with education + at least one other priority; creativity encouraged; advisor must not be a parent unless acting in official capacity