ABSTRACT
This study examined the effects of eco-friendly programs on the environmental awareness and participation of students at Balayan Senior High School. The findings revealed that such programs significantly enhance students’ understanding of environmental issues, making them more conscious of their actions and their impact on nature. These initiatives also positively influence students’ behavior, encouraging them to adopt sustainable practices both in school and at home. Moreover, the research found that students actively participate in eco-friendly activities, demonstrating high interest and commitment, although there remains room for improvement in leadership involvement and sustained engagement. The school’s environmental initiatives have successfully fostered a strong culture of responsibility, shaping students into environmentally aware and proactive citizens. Based on these findings, several recommendations were proposed to further improve the effectiveness of eco-friendly programs. Schools are encouraged to strengthen program implementation by incorporating more hands-on, project-based activities such as sustainability workshops and environmental leadership camps. Reflection and integration should also be enhanced through journals and class discussions to deepen students’ understanding of environmental sustainability. Collaboration with community organizations and government agencies is recommended to expand learning opportunities beyond the school setting. Additionally, the use of technology and social media can help promote environmental projects and inspire wider participation. Finally, future research is suggested to explore similar initiatives in other schools or to compare outcomes between public and private institutions
Keywords: environmental awareness, eco-friendly programs, student participation, sustainability, Balayan Senior High School