Change is Simple Honored at State House

On Tuesday, May 6 Massachusetts State Secretary Richard Sullivan held the 20th Annual Secretary’s Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education. Among the 27 schools and programs honored at this event was Change is Simple, Inc., an environmental education non-profit founded and operated in Beverly.

Change is Simple, Inc. was founded in 2010 by Lauren and Patrick Belmonte and grew out of the couple’s shared background and passion for the environment. The hands on environmental curriculum delivered by the Change is Simple team educates students about sustainable values and practices while incorporating the Common CORE Curriculum of Math and English /Language Arts. “The educational programs provided by our team succeed because students learn about sustainability and the environment alongside their everyday studies,” says co-founder Patrick Belmonte. “It’s exciting and interesting for students to see how everything relates back to the environment.”

Secretary Sullivan honored the Change is Simple, Inc. team with an award for their successful work in the Beverly and Woburn school districts funded by the Cummings Foundation.

The Belmontes accepted the award, and also received a special citation from Massachusetts State Representative Jerry Parisella.“We are proud to recognize the students, teachers, and nonprofits raising awareness about energy and environmental issues affecting Massachusetts and the planet,” said Secretary Sullivan. “The ideas, research, and knowledge being recognized today show the forward-thinking of our youth and how ready they are for the challenges ahead.”

To date, Change is Simple, Inc. has reached nearly 6,000 students in 300 classrooms around the North Shore. Patrick credits this success to the non-profit’s “small but mighty” team of educators, including co-founder Lauren, program director Hannah Lawson, and education coordinator Kelly Driscoll.

“Our work is creating a movement of change and stewardship within these two districts,” say sco-founder Belmonte. “Both Woburn and Beverly administrators, teachers, and students have embraced the curriculum that is developed and delivered by Change is Simple.”

To learn more please visit www.changeissimple.org.