Spring brings a renewed focus on health and well-being, and there’s no better time to highlight the importance of safe, healthy learning environments. Clean, well-ventilated classrooms support student health, improve focus, and create the conditions for learning to thrive.
April 13 to 17 is National Healthy Schools Week, with opportunities for educators, families, and communities to come together around improving school indoor air quality (IAQ) for students and staff. This year’s National Healthy Schools Week features a series of free webinars bringing together national experts and policymakers to discuss school funding, environmental health research, climate resilience, and practical strategies for improving IAQ.
Webinars include
- Congressional Leadership and School Funding: Outlook for Federal Action
- Federal Research & Children’s Environmental Health Outlook
- Climate Resilience for Schools: Why Act Now?
- Indoor Air Quality and Schools: State Policy Pathways and Implementation Strategies
- Game-Changing Federal Legislation for Healthy Schools
- The Movement at 30: Reflections & the Road Ahead
Visit the Healthy Schools Network for a full schedule and registration details.
Grants to improve IAQ
In Connecticut, strong advocacy and collaboration continue, leading the state to take meaningful steps to improve IAQ in schools. New requirements for regular HVAC inspections, ventilation assessments, and public reporting are helping ensure that school buildings meet modern health standards. These efforts are paired with expanded access to school construction reimbursement grants, giving districts critical support to upgrade aging systems and invest in healthier facilities.
As of last year, the state can approve grants to school districts to reimburse boards of education for costs related to HVAC upgrades and other improvements to school indoor air quality. Districts will be reimbursed on a sliding scale (20%-80%), depending on financial need. More information is available through the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services.
DIY Air Purifiers
The UConn Indoor Air Quality Initiative is offering a free grants-in-aid program that equips schools with materials to build their own air purifiers, along with real-time air quality sensors and STEM-aligned lesson plans. This hands-on approach not only improves air quality but also engages students in understanding the science behind it. Schools are invited to apply by submitting an interest form or emailing [email protected] for more information.
National Healthy Schools Week is both a celebration of progress and a call to action. While much has been accomplished, continued awareness, advocacy, and community engagement are essential to ensuring that every student learns in a safe and healthy environment.
To learn more about events, resources, and how to get involved, visit the Healthy Schools Network, read the Connecticut Coalition for Healthy School Environments spring 2026 newsletter, or contact [email protected].
Together, we can keep the momentum going and continue building healthier schools for all.
