June 12, 2025

The Idea Center, and partners Truman Middle School and Crestwood Elementary School, were named 2025 Green Schools winners this past May. The Green Schools Quest (GSQ) is an annual project-based challenge to PreK-12 schools to devise and implement no/low cost sustainability projects at their school over a six month period of time with the help of a community volunteer who serves as a Green Mentor. Over 80 schools created projects.

Schools document their impact, such as energy savings or increased biodiversity, during the project and submit their project’s process and impact for judging by an impartial panel at the conclusion. Cash Awards and trophies are presented to winning teams in Elementary, Middle and High School Divisions and five Spotlight Awards are presented across the age divisions. 

The Idea Center project was called "Carbon and Compost Crusaders." Students studied earth worms and the role they play in the soil carbon cycle.

Crestwood Elementary School and Truman Middle School teamed up for a community impact project involving Missouri native plants.