By Shay Grant, Clean Campus Coordinator
As the Alabama PALS Clean Campus Coordinator, I have the privilege of traveling across the state to work with schools and inspire students to take pride in their campuses and communities. Through hands-on engagement and educational outreach, our goal is simple but impactful: to reduce litter, encourage environmental responsibility, and foster a culture of care for Alabama’s natural beauty.
The Alabama PALS Clean Campus Program plays a key role in this mission. We partner with schools by providing materials and support needed to host successful campus cleanup events. These efforts not only create cleaner, more welcoming school environments, but also teach students the importance of responsibility and teamwork in protecting the places where they learn and grow.
A major part of my work involves connecting directly with students of all ages. I enjoy visiting schools to share the message of cleaning up and not littering through engaging presentations. For upper grade levels, I offer PowerPoint-style presentations that highlight the impact of litter and the importance of environmental stewardship. In elementary classrooms, I bring the message to life through interactive read-alouds that make learning about caring for our environment fun and memorable.
This year, we have expanded our outreach efforts even further. Alabama PALS participated in Read Across America Week, bringing the anti-litter message into classrooms through literacy and storytelling. In addition, we are partnering with libraries and community programs throughout the summer to continue reaching students outside the traditional school setting.
Beyond cleanup efforts and presentations, the program emphasizes education and long-term impact. Students are encouraged to carry the anti-litter message beyond school grounds and into their communities. By promoting recycling and reducing waste sent to landfills, we help young people understand how everyday actions can make a substantial difference. We also introduce students to Alabama’s incredible biodiversity, helping them appreciate the importance of protecting our natural resources.
To inspire creativity and engagement, Alabama PALS offers opportunities for students to participate in poster contests and recycled art projects. New this year, we held our first video contest. This contest was offered to Alabama Community College System students. We had great entries! Our initiatives provide a platform for students to express their ideas about environmental stewardship, with the added incentive of winning monetary prizes, plaques, and invitations to our annual Governor’s Awards Luncheon.
We are always looking for new and creative ways to connect with students from kindergarten through college. If you have ideas or would like to partner with us, we would love to hear from you. Be sure to check out our updated website for more information, resources, and opportunities to get involved.
As you prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, please join the Clean Campus Program. I would like to help you and your school develop a program that works for your campus. Please go to our website to sign up. You can reach out to me at (334) 263-7737 or via email at [email protected]. Thanks to our invaluable state partnerships and corporate sponsors—Vulcan, ALFA, Coca-Cola, and Alabama Farmers CO-OP—all Alabama PALS programs are free of charge.
Thanks for your support helping Alabama PALS foster environmental awareness for a brighter and cleaner Alabama.
