First Student Awarded NSTA's 2025 Go Yellow, Go Green Award for Leadership in Advancing Zero-Emission School Transportation

CINCINNATI, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Student, the company setting the standard for innovation in school transportation, has been awarded the Go Yellow, Go Green award by the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) for its leadership in the electrification of student transportation. The award recognizes First Student's leadership in advancing electric school bus adoption and its ongoing commitment to delivering cleaner, safer, and more sustainable transportation solutions for students and communities.

First Student operates North America's largest electric school bus fleet, having driven more than 7 million electric miles with a fleet of over 550 electric buses. The zero-emission buses are helping reduce emissions in more than 100 school districts across the U.S. and Canada. Through strategic partnerships with federal, state, and local programs, First Student has also secured funding for more than 2,000 additional electric buses, further accelerating its impact.

"Our commitment to electrification is not just about reducing emissions, it's about improving the health and well-being of the students we serve and the communities they call home," said Kevin Matthews, Head of Electrification at First Student. "Receiving the NSTA Go Yellow, Go Green Award is a meaningful recognition of our team's dedication to making student transportation cleaner, quieter, and safer every day."

"First Student is a forward-thinking company whose commitment to student transportation goes well beyond sustainable, electric buses, it's about building a healthier future for every child who rides them," said Mick Iskric, superintendent of Steelton-Highspire School District. "From the start, the First Student team made the complex transition to electric buses feel achievable for our district. Their dedication to understanding our needs, answering questions and truly becoming a partner has made a lasting impact, not only on our district but on the students we serve every day. Because of their support, our students now ride quieter, cleaner buses and our community is seeing the real environmental benefits."

First Student's leadership in sustainability goes beyond fleet electrification. The company's Destination Zero initiative aims to transition 30,000 diesel buses to electric by 2035, a milestone projected to eliminate more than 1.6 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. These efforts reflect First Student's broader commitment to student health, environmental stewardship, and redefining the future of school transportation.

About First Student
First Student is reimagining the school bus experience for 5.5 million students across North America every single day. As the undisputed leader in K-12 transportation, the company is on pace to complete 1 billion student rides during the 2025-26 school year, delivering not just students, but confidence, reliability, and peace of mind to families and school districts alike. Backed by a workforce of highly trained drivers and an industry-leading fleet of 45,000 vehicles, including electric buses, First Student is a mission-driven partner in education. Recently named one of Fast Company's 2025 Most Innovative Companies, First Student offers cutting-edge services including special needs transportation, AI route optimization, fleet electrification, vehicle maintenance services, and charter services. First Student's impact extends beyond logistics: every ride is designed to be a safe and supportive space where students can start their day with a great experience. With innovation at our core, First Student is driving the future of student transportation one ride at a time.

Contact
Brenna Rudisill
[email protected]

SOURCE First Student