Grants Available For Environmental Education
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting applications for grants that can be used to fund innovative ways to educate the public about the environment.
The EPA funds environmental education projects that focus on educating teachers, students or the general public about human health problems from environmental pollution; improving teaching skills for educators, typically through workshops; building state or local capability to develop and deliver environmental education programs; or promoting environmental careers among students.
The program also encourages projects that educate members of a community through a community based organization, or educate the general public through print, film, broadcast, or other media to be more environmentally conscious and make environmentally responsible decisions.
Schools, universities, not-for-profit organizations, tribal education agencies, and state and local governments are all eligible to apply for the grants.
Applications fall into two categories: nationally significant projects costing more than $25,000, and local efforts costing less than $25,000. Grants for the larger amounts are issued by EPA headquarters, while the smaller grants are issued by EPA’s regional offices.
The EPA gives special encouragement to local efforts, according to Sally Hanft of EPA’s regional environmental education program in Seattle.
“Often the catalyst for learning about the environment occurs at the community level,” said Hanft. “Teachers, environmental professionals, and even scout leaders often have wonderful ideas to raise awareness about environmental issues. With a little community support and some funding from EPA, they turn those ideas into an educational experience.”
Awarding of the grants is contingent on securing the necessary funding from Congress. Because the fiscal year 2003 budget has not been completed, the EPA is not sure how many grants it will be able to issue.
Applications for the next round of grants must be postmarked by February 14. More information about the grant program and application forms are available at www.epa.gov.
Provided by theEnvironmental News Service.
