The Department of Environmental Protection announced this week they are accepting applications for the 2006 Environmental Education Grants Program through December 17.

The Program helps schools, universities, nonprofit organizations and county conservation districts develop projects to increase environmental literacy among Pennsylvania’s students.

Environmental education grants range from $1,500 to $20,000 and address specific topics identified as gaps by the environmental education community.

Conservation and educational organizations, colleges and universities may apply to do professional development workshops in the field of environmental education.

County conservation districts may apply to assist with environmental education efforts that relate to their missions. The districts also may apply on the mini-grant track to provide educational resources that can be made available to educators by conservation districts.

The Academic Standards for Environment and Ecology and Science and Technology will be the focus for kindergarten through 12th grade education grants.

The state-mandated standards provide a roadmap for what students must know about the environment by the end of 4th, 7th, 10th and 12th grades. Schools may apply for money to integrate the academic standards into formal curriculum or to provide lessons and field experiences that include standards based instruction.

For a copy of the application manual, visit the 2006 Environmental Education Grants Program or write to the DEP Environmental Education Grants Program, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063; or call 717-772-1828.

10/7/2005