Commonwealth Charter Academy Named 2021 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School

HARRISBURG – Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA), Pennsylvania’s largest K through 12 public cyber charter school that enrolls more than 19,000 students from across the state, today was named as one of three schools and postsecondary institutions and the only public cyber charter school in the commonwealth as a 2021 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon […]

04/22/2021

HARRISBURG – Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA), Pennsylvania’s largest K through 12 public cyber charter school that enrolls more than 19,000 students from across the state, today was named as one of three schools and postsecondary institutions and the only public cyber charter school in the commonwealth as a 2021 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School.

Nominated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, CCA’s Capital Campus in Harrisburg is home to AgWorks at CCA, an indoor, closed-loop, soilless 6,100-square-foot growing system that uses nearly 95 percent less water than a traditional, outdoor farm.

AgWorks at CCA is powered by 1,050 roof-mounted solar panels, which produced more than 422 megawatt-hours in 2020. All remaining energy generated by the solar panels is used to supplement electrical power to Capital Campus, thereby reducing its reliance on traditional sources of electricity.

In addition, AgWorks at CCA is geared toward teaching students about aquaponics, hydroponics, and aeroponics as sustainable ways to decrease waste, protect the environment, and reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture.

“CCA is pleased to have received this designation as it serves as a testament to our commitment to reducing our environmental impact,” said Thomas D. Longenecker, CCA’s president and CEO. “As a member of several communities throughout Pennsylvania, our goal is to ensure our facilities reduce energy consumption, while at the same time teaching our students the importance of being good stewards of the environment.”

CCA is one of 40 schools, early learning centers, districts, and postsecondary institutions across the country being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce their environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education.

The honorees were named from a pool of candidates nominated by 20 states. The selectees include 24 public schools, five charter schools, one magnet school, and three nonpublic schools. More than half of the 2021 honorees are located in communities where at least 40 percent of the student body is eligible for free and reduced lunch.

Learn more about CCA and AgWorks at CCA by visiting ccaeducate.me.

For more information about the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools program, visit http://www.ed.gov/green-ribbon-schools.

Media Contact: Tim Eller, [email protected], 717-710-3335

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Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA) is Pennsylvania’s largest public cyber charter school serving more than 19,000 students statewide in grades K through 12. CCA is celebrating nearly 20 years of student success as an online learning leader, providing flexible and personalized academic instruction. CCA is a family service organization that creates an educational experience and sociable learning opportunities for the entire family, including more than 700 educational field trips, hands-on workshops, community events, and more.

Categories: News Release