Through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and with support from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, in 2008 the National Trust launched the Helping Johnny Walk to School: Sustaining Communities through Smart School Siting Policies program to help localities site their schools in a way that not only achieves their educational objectives, but also anchors the local neighborhood, supports better public health, creates a cleaner environment, spurs economic development, and offers additional amenities to the community. 

The National Trust brought together partners in nine states with education, health, transportation, and planning experts to develop the Helping Johnny Walk to School: Policy Recommendations for Removing Barriers to Community-Centered Schools report and policy recommendations.

By reforming policy and practices as outlined in the report, states and localities can strengthen public schools and reduce carbon emissions and air pollution, preserve older neighborhoods and open space, and encourage healthier citizens and communities.