West Chester, PA (August 27, 2024) – Nearly $1 million in total state funding is available for Chester County schools, colleges, businesses, nonprofit groups, and environmental organizations that promote environmental education and stewardship, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced.
Now through November 15, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is accepting applications for its 2025 Environmental Education Grants Program. The program supports projects that engage people about clean water and climate change, especially those with a focus on environmental justice areas.
“Quality environmental education programs offer a great way for students to get outside, engage with their communities, learn STEM skills, and begin to think differently about the world around them,” said Comitta, who serves as minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee . “As climate change is increasingly impacting our lives and our way of life, it’s vital that the next generation is prepared to lead with an understanding of science, sustainability, and the symbiotic relationship between human health and environmental health.”
“Environmental Education grants are some of the best ways to teach people about the water they drink and the air they breathe. The projects that these grants support strengthen the bonds between people and their environment so that they are able to make informed decisions and take responsible actions for their communities,” said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “These projects are especially important to communities that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution.”
Projects with a local focus may receive up to $5,000 and regional or statewide initiatives may receive up to $30,000. Projects that engage students and teachers from at least 60 Pennsylvania counties at three levels, local, state, and national, may be awarded up to $65,000.
Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis. Projects must be implemented during the period July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026.
The Environmental Education Grants Program has supported a wide range of activities from tours and workshops to hands-on field experiences and action projects. Projects in Senate District 19 that received funding last year include the Camp Linden Children’s Summer Program and partnerships between the Stroud Water Research Center and local school districts to create outdoor learning spaces and lessons about the impacts of climate change on freshwater resources.
Many of last year’s awardees also supported people in environmental justice communities, communities composed of Pennsylvanians that are more threatened by climate change, air pollution, and water pollution.
Information about the grants program is available at Environmental Education Grants. Electronic applications must be submitted through the Keystone Login (first-time users will need to register).
In addition, potential applicants will have an opportunity to ask questions and get tips from DEP staff at a free 2025 Environmental Education Grants Program webinar scheduled for October 10, 2024, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. DEP staff will also review instructions for completing required application forms and the program will conclude with a Q&A session. Please register by September 30, 2024: 2025 EE Grants Program Webinar Registration.
The Environmental Education Grants program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates setting aside 5 percent of the pollution fines and penalties DEP collects annually for environmental education in Pennsylvania. Since the program began, more than 2,200 projects, totaling over $14 million, have been awarded grant funds.
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