Newswise — NEW YORK – Project Green Schools, a Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to developing the next generation of environmental leaders, hosted its annual Green Difference Awards on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Columbia University Faculty House in New York City.
The event brought together K–12 student innovators, educators, policymakers, and sustainability leaders from across the United States and around the world to celebrate real-world environmental solutions driven by youth including first ever, Bronx NYC resident honorees.
Hosted by Director, Producer and Climate Reality Leader, Tim Guinee, an American actor and environmental activist known for his roles in Iron Man, Tulsa King, Stargate SG-1, Revolution, and The Good Wife. Guinee is a dedicated climate change activist, leading Climate Action Now. The ceremony featured a keynote address by Ellis Spiezia (“The Electric Renegade”), an American racing driver recognized for his sustainability-focused approach to motorsport.
The Green Difference Awards recognize students and changemakers making measurable impact in environmental education, clean energy, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and environmental health. This year’s program includes student leaders from 22 U.S. states and more than 11 countries across five continents, underscoring the global reach of youth-led environmental action.
“These students are not waiting for the future, they are actively building it,” said Robin Sidman, Founder and Executive Director of Project Green Schools, “Through education, innovation, and leadership, they are driving real solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.”
In addition to student honorees, the event presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to five leaders in environmental education: Céline Chouteau, founder of the first vegan preschool in the United States and a pioneer in sustainability-centered learning; Dave Finnigan, creator of the Green Actioneers movement, empowering families to take everyday sustainability actions; Stephen Ritz, founder of Green Bronx Machine, whose students have grown more than 375,000 pounds of food in the Bronx while advancing health and education outcomes; Christine Palm, Connecticut State Representative and founder of The Active Voice, whose leadership has advanced climate policy and made climate change education a requirement in public schools while empowering youth as advocates and changemakers; and Dr. Jennifer Suzara-Cheng, leader of Project Green Schools’ Philippines Outreach, who has empowered more than 300 educators to integrate environmental and climate education into their teaching, impacting an estimated 45,000 students annually and expanding environmental literacy across communities throughout the Philippines.
More than an awards ceremony, the Green Difference Awards serve as a platform for collaboration and inspiration, bringing together voices across STEM, public health, energy, and environmental leadership. Attendees heard from advocates, lawmakers, and community leaders while engaging directly with students whose work is already transforming their communities.
“I’ve spent my years in Congress warning colleagues that it is time to wake up on climate,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). “Organizations like Project Green Schools help assure the next generation is awake and ready to take on this great and wondrous challenge. The road ahead is steep, and there will no doubt be more bumps ahead, but we will stay together in this fight for as long as it takes. Our planet needs your advocacy. Thank you very much for this recognition.”
“I can’t think of a more important event to host or more important people to celebrate,” said Tim Guinee, Climate Reality Leader. “These awardees are front-line champions for our planet and I’m proud to support them.”
“The race to save the planet is one that every citizen needs to participate in,” said Ellis Spiezia (“The Electric Renegade”), an American racing driver recognized for his sustainability-focused approach to motorsport. “I’m here to help ensure that every student understands the race, the stakes, and how we can all cross the finish line together and win this for the planet.”
“I could not be prouder to represent the Bronx, Green Bronx Machine, and my community,” exclaimed Yomeris Alvarez-Basilio, the first-ever Bronx student inducted into the Student Honor Society. She went on to add: “it is amazing to see the power and impact students can have, not only in their schools and home communities, but also with policymakers, decision makers, media, and big business. This moment teaches us that change begins with us, every voice matters, every action counts, and we are all connected. Thank you Project Green Schools.”
“From our humble corner of the globe, my Green Bronx Machine students and I are determined to change the world,” added Stephen Ritz. “Nothing thrills me more than to see Yomeris Alvarez-Basilio inducted into the Student Honor Society. May she be the first of many more from our community and communities like ours everywhere. The greatest natural resource in the world are students residing in low status and marginalized communities who bear the brunt of economic, environmental, health, and social disparities and injustices. Thank you Project Green Schools for lifting our heads towards the sun. When we heal our communities, we help heal the world. This acknowledgement is proof positive that folks are hearing us, seeing us, appreciating the work we do and that we are the folks we are waiting for! Note – we are just getting started.”
About Project Green Schools
Project Green Schools is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing the next generation of environmental leaders through education, project-based learning, and community service. Project Green Schools is finding and supporting tomorrow’s environmental leaders today.
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