District’s new Blue School Grant Program accepting applications through Nov. 30
PALATKA, Fla., Oct. 31, 2016 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is launching a new educational grant program to enhance student development in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related topics. The Blue School Grant Program offers financial support for teachers working to promote water resource protection through hands-on learning opportunities.
“The district is committed to educating the next generation and their families about the value of water,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “Our staff has done this for many years through in-school and online programs. I’m thrilled we will be working even more closely with our community schools on water resource outreach.”
In its inaugural year, the district has budgeted up to $10,000 for the Blue School Grant Program. Grants of up to $1,000 are available to teachers in four areas: water quality field study, water-conserving garden project, community/school awareness campaign or a freshwater resources field study program. Ninth through twelfth grade public and charter school teachers within the district’s 18-county service area are eligible to apply.
The deadline to apply is Nov. 30, 2016. Teachers receiving grants will be notified by Dec. 12. Information packets are being mailed to each high school in the district. Information about criteria and deadlines and the online application can be found at www.sjrwmd.com/education/blueschool.