WV Make it Shine Program
The WV Make It Shine Program is a comprehensive program aimed at making WV the cleanest state in the nation. Throughout the state, groups of volunteers, businesses, community organizations, and local governments are working to accomplish this goal. It is the responsibility of the WV Make It Shine Program to coordinate the effort of these people to make our state shine. The WV Make It Shine Program is involved in several events each year. The annual events are listed below.
WV Make It Shine Teacher of the Year
To promote environmental stewardship and education in West Virginia, the WV Department of Environmental Protection is proud to sponsor the Environmental Teacher of the Year Award. Winners will be chosen in the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels.
Each winner will receive a $500.00 personal award and a $1000 award to be used in promoting STEM programs in their school. To nominate yourself or another, please submit an application packet.
For more information contact Travis Cooper at Travis.L.Cooper@wv.gov, or call 1-800-322-5530.
NOTICE: The deadline for application submittal has been changed to February 14, 2020. Click here to read the full notice of changes.
For the 2020 application form, click here.
WV Make It Shine Statewide Cleanup (Canceled)
The statewide cleanup is held during the first two weeks of April each year. During this time, volunteers can receive assistance in conducting cleanups on public lands. The resources available include gloves, bags, hauling (in conjunction with the DOH), and landfill fees.
UPDATE: This event has been canceled due to current developments and precautionary measures concerning COVID-19.
We encourage all participants to visit the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website (www.cdc.gov),
as well as the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources website (www.dhhr.wv.gov) for guidelines on protecting yourself from COVID-19.
(Canceled) WV Make It Shine Earth Day Celebration, April 22, 2020
UPDATE: This event has been canceled due to current developments and precautionary measures concerning COVID-19.
Each year, the Make It Shine Program sponsors an Earth Day celebration at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia, in Charleston. During this event, school children are exposed to various displays regarding environmental protection, resource conservation, and energy efficiency. Many of these displays are "hands-on" for the students.
If you would like to be an exhibitor for this event, click here.
Note to Exhibitors: The event time is scheduled for 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Initial information incorrectly indicated a start time of 10:00 am.
Ohio River Sweep - RESCHEDULED for August 15th
The West Virginia Make It Shine Program is happy to be a co-sponsor of the largest cleanup of its kind in the United States. Historically, on the third Saturday of every June, this year communities along the Ohio River pitch in to clean the river and its banks of litter. For more information on participating in the Ohio River Sweep, call 1-800-322-5530.
UPDATE: This event has been RESCHEDULED for Saturday, August 15th due to restrictions and precautionary measures concerning COVID-19. Future updates will be posted here as they become available.
Great Kanawha River Cleanup, September 12, 2020
The WV Make It Shine program sponsors the Great Kanawha River Cleanup. Volunteers can participate at sites in all counties bordering the Kanawha River from Gauley Bridge to Pt. Pleasant. For more information about participating in the Great Kanawha River Cleanup, call 1-800-322-5530 or contact Travis Cooper at Travis.L.Cooper@wv.gov.
Locations to include:
*sites to be added
All locations are scheduled from 9:00-Noon. All volunteers will receive a free t-shirt for participating. This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours or just to show your support for your community. Please call 1-800-322-5530 to register your group. Your registration helps ensure that enough supplies are available at each site.
Make It Shine Awards
WV Make It Shine Clean County Award
This award is given to counties in the state who have developed and implemented a comprehensive environmental program. Cash prizes are awarded to top achievers to help fund their continued efforts.
Please check back soon for a 2020 application.
2019 Winners:
- Greenbrier– 1st place - $2000
- Berkeley– 2nd place - $1000
WV Make It Shine Clean Community Award
This award is given to communities who have worked to keep their environment clean and who have participated regularly in REAP programs. Communities designated as Make It Shine Communities will receive two road signs to place in their community.
Please check back soon for a 2020 application.
2019 Recipients:
- Montgomery, Fayette/Kanawha – Grand Prize -$500
- Beech Bottom, Brook County
- Hamlin, Lincoln County
- New Cumberland, Hancock County
- Ravenswood, Jackson County
WV Make It Shine Environmental Teacher of the Year Award
This award is given to educators that have gone above and beyond to promote environmental awareness and stewardship in their classrooms and communities. Each Teacher of the year receives a $500 personal award and a $1000 award to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in their school.ei
Please check back soon for a 2020 application.
2019 Recipients:
- Elementary: Meghan Salter and Ann Henry (co-winners for collaborative effort), Martha Elementary in Cabell County
- Intermediate: Stephanie Diamond, Charles Town Middle School, Jefferson County
- High School: Brittany Bauer, Wyoming East High School, Wyoming County
*Contact Information