Seattle Sounders FC today announced the creation of an exciting new program that furthers the club's commitment to sustainability and empowering the education of youth to implement sustainable practices. Working in partnership with Washington Green Schools, Sounders FC is launching "Rave Green Certification" for schools across Washington State.
Rave Green Certification honors schools that have demonstrated outstanding environmental leadership through taking action that makes their communities greener and healthier. Schools achieving this certification are eligible to win Sounders FC prizes and experiences for students, such as autographed memorabilia, player meet-and-greets and match tickets.
Schools achieve Rave Green Certification by reaching or sustaining Gold or Platinum status as Washington Green Schools. To begin the process, schools become certified as Green Schools when environmental action projects are completed on their campuses, focusing on areas such as waste, energy, transportation or planting school gardens. Schools reaching Rave Green Certification have completed between three and six action projects and have demonstrated significant and lasting commitments to environmental leadership.
Rave Green Certification underwent a soft launch earlier this year, with 16 schools qualifying. All schools received a congratulatory video message from Head Coach Brian Schmetzer, Osvaldo Alonso, Cristian Roldan and Stefan Frei. Four of the Rave Green Certified schools - represented by 300 students and their families - were able to attend a Sounders FC home match. Schools that were unable to travel received autographed Sounders FC jerseys.
Furthering the club's pledge to be a community leader in sustainability, Sounders FC also announced its newest service project with Washington Green Schools, which involves working with fifth graders and the green team at Van Asselt Elementary in Beacon Hill/Rainier Valley to rebuild school garden beds, develop a composting system and improve the trail through the school's wetland.
Van Asselt is a focus for RAVE Foundation and Sounders FC investments. Approximately 85% of Van Asselt students are on the free or reduced lunch program and 60% are English language learners. Many students are children of East African immigrants, with soccer being their sport of choice. The school has identified attendance as a main goal this year - and as such, RAVE has provided tickets and other rewards for students with good attendance. Van Asselt is also an ideal partner in sustainability, as its grounds are surrounded by wetlands that, when made accessible, can be integrated into the school's science curriculum. The garden beds that Friday's service project will revive will be used to teach students the value of growing food and composting.
