The Clean Air Campaign received a $50,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE: UPS). The grant will be used to expand Get There Green, an educational high school program introduced last year, and to further efforts for The Clean Air Campaign’s No-Idling Program.

The Get There Green program is designed to educate students about ‘green’ transportation planning in relation to air pollution and health. The goal is to reduce air pollution by teaching 'green' driving habits and empowering smart choices. Through the program, students develop a school-specific action plan to reduce vehicle trips coming into and out of their school campus and execute the action plan within the school year.

Get There Green was introduced on a trial basis in 10 high schools within metro Atlanta for the 2011-2012 school year, including Norcross High School. A broader implementation will begin during the 2012-2013 school year.

“Get There Green enables students to be the experts on their school conditions and offer unique perspectives on how to best initiate action and create change in their communities,” said Gretchen Gigley, director of education for The Clean Air Campaign. “This grant will enable us to continue to empower high school students to take the lead on reducing traffic and air pollution, foster a deeper educational experience and build momentum for future community involvement.”

The UPS Foundation grant will also bring more capacity to The Clean Air Campaign’s ongoing outreach efforts with Georgia schools, employers and property managers to reduce air pollution. This includes developing best practices and policies for reducing unnecessary engine idling, providing “no-idle zone” signage, distributing educational materials and providing the tools necessary to measure the impact and success of idling reduction programs. To date, some 200 Georgia employers have signed on to participate in voluntary idling reduction initiatives through The Clean Air Campaign.

Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Ga., The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: nonprofit effectiveness, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability.

In 2011, The UPS Foundation distributed more than $45.3 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as The Clean Air Campaign that provide support for building stronger communities.

“The UPS Foundation is honored to support The Clean Air Campaign’s efforts to reduce air pollution by teaching 'green' driving habits and empowering smart choices among students,” said Eduardo Martinez, president of The UPS Foundation. “Our goal is to fund powerful programs that make a lasting difference to the global community.”

For more on air quality, visit CleanAirCampaign.org. For exclusive information about The Clean Air Campaign, follow @CleanAirGa on Twitter and find The Clean Air Campaign on Facebook at Facebook.com/CleanAirCampaign.