Environmental Education Grants Available | Community News

“This grant supports environmental education projects that engage teachers, youth, and residents in actions that help protect Pennsylvania’s abundant natural resources and preserve its beauty,” said DEP Acting Secretary, Row Ziadeh.

While all topics of the education project are addressed, priority areas are water quality, climate change, and environmental justice. Sample projects include tours, demonstrations and hands-on learning experiences, as well as workshops on stream monitoring, rain gardens, wetlands, green infrastructure and other stewardship measures watersheds; solar and other renewable energy, alternative transportation, energy conservation and other approaches to combat climate change; and improving air quality and community and municipal partnerships to address local environmental challenges. For more examples, see the list of 2022 EE Grant Awards.

“Locally oriented projects can receive up to $5,000 and regional or national initiatives can receive up to $30,000. Projects that engage students and teachers at three levels, local, state and national, can receive up to $85,000,” the statement read.

DEP will be hosting a live webinar on Tuesday, September 27 from 12-1:30 p.m. regarding this grant. Program staff will review the application process, offer advice and answer questions. The webinar is free, but registration is required. Registration details are forthcoming.

The Environmental Education Grant Program was created by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which requires setting aside 5% of pollution fines and penalties DEP collects each year for environmental education in Pennsylvania. Since the program began, more than 2,100 projects totaling more than $12 million have received grants.