DEP Awards Over $434,000 In Environmental Education Grants To Benefit Youth, Adults Statewide

On June 26, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the award of $434,168 in Environmental Education Grants to 55 projects across the state.

The grants will engage youth and adults in Environmental Justice, climate change, and/or water quality improvement, expanding their understanding of these issues in Pennsylvania and providing skills to take responsible action to protect their environment.

“This impressive list of funded projects speaks to the innovation and dedication of Pennsylvania’s environmental educators and their significant reach in helping to develop environmental stewards among Pennsylvanians of all ages and backgrounds,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.

“We’re especially excited that not only is every region of the state represented, but 77 percent of the grant funding supports 33 projects that will engage Pennsylvanians who live or work in EJ areas, as DEP continues to strengthen its outreach and partnership with EJ communities.”

Grants were awarded to schools and colleges, environmental and community organizations, and conservation district offices who applied in 2019 and met project criteria for funding.

Thirty-nine projects with a local community focus received grants of up to $3,000. Fifteen projects that have a broader or statewide reach received grants of up to $20,000. 

The Pennsylvania Envirothon, which engages students and teachers at the local, state, and national levels, received a grant of $78,297.

The Environmental Education Grants Program supports:

-- Education and empowerment of disadvantaged communities to develop meaningful solutions to environmental and public health issues;

-- Public education on greenhouse gas emissions reduction, energy conservation, renewable energy, and climate adaptation; and

-- Education of local officials, business owners, homeowners, and the general public on reducing runoff water pollution, water quality monitoring, cold water habitats, and other aspects of water quality.

The Environmental Education Grants Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates setting aside five percent of the pollution fines and penalties DEP collects annually for environmental education in Pennsylvania. 

Since 1993 DEP has awarded 2,020 Environmental Education Grants totaling more than $11 million.

Click Here for a list of grants awarded.

For more information on this program, visit DEP’s Environmental Education Grants webpage.

To learn more about environmental education opportunities and support, visit DEP Environmental Education webpage.  Click Here to sign up for DEP’s Teaching Green newsletter.

Questions should be directed to Bert Myers, DEP Environmental Education and Information Center, call 717-772-1828 or send email to: gimyers@pa.gov. 

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[Posted: June 26, 2020]  PA Environment Digest