The college was affiliated with the United Methodist Church and offered a liberal arts undergraduate education with a focus on the environment,[3] and some graduate degrees.

[5] In 1974, the school changed its name to Green Mountain College and returned to coeducational status, offering four-year baccalaureate degrees.

[6] On January 23, 2019, Green Mountain's President, Robert W. Allen, announced that, despite a 2018 loan from the Department of Agriculture Rural Development Community Facilities Programs, the college had insufficient income to continue and would close that summer.

Based on the ideas of philosopher John Dewey,[19] the students in the program defined their own education goals and worked with faculty members individually to meet them.

The award recognizes Green Mountain for commitment to environmental sustainability in its governance and administration, curriculum and research, operations, campus culture, and community outreach.

SCGF money was used to install bike racks, purchase recycling bins, use bio-diesel in campus maintenance equipment, and upgrade the alternative energy systems that powered the farm greenhouse.