Now entering the third year of its Blue School Grant Program, the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) plans to offer up to $20,000 in grants for education projects that enhance student knowledge of Florida’s water resources through hands-on learning.
The application period runs May 21 through September 7, giving teachers all summer to prepare their project proposals for the 2018–2019 grants.
“Blue School Grants are a great way for the district to partner with our local schools and support student development in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields,” said SJRWMD Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “We have funded nearly 20 education projects in the last two funding cycles, and I’m excited to see what the next round of applications will bring.”
Up to $2,000 per teacher per school will be awarded at middle and high schools to enhance student knowledge of Florida’s water resources. Public and charter schoolteachers within the district’s boundaries are eligible to apply.
Blue School grants may be awarded in four areas: water quality field studies, water conservation garden projects, water conservation community/school awareness campaigns or freshwater resources educational programs.
Examples of successful grant applications include:
• Water quality comparison of stormwater ponds on campus
• Micro-irrigation installation in school garden
• Field trip to organic and conventional farms
• Seagrass restoration project
• Water conservation awareness posters and video
Teachers receiving grants will be notified after October 1, 2018.
Information about criteria and deadlines and the online application can be found at www.sjrwmd.com/education/blueschool.
The article comes from the St. Johns River Water Management District.
