Grants available for teachers to work on environmental projects
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. — Santa Barbara County public school teachers can now apply for $300 mini-grants designed for teachers interested in environmental instruction or service projects.
The application period for the 2020-2021 Care For Our Earth Grants is underway. The grants are funded by Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District and Santa Barbara County Water Agency and implemented by the Santa Barbara County Education Office.
APCD and SBCWA are also interested in funding a select number of more involved, curriculum-focused projects that would be eligible for larger grant awards.
“We enjoy working with local teachers and students to expand understanding about air quality,” said Aeron Arlin Genet, APCD Director. “With respiratory health and air quality being top of mind at this time, we look forward to seeing teachers’ ideas on ways for children to broaden their understanding about air quality and health.”
“Teachers in county classrooms always design wonderful, creative projects to inspire students to learn about how to conserve water and care for the Earth,” said Matthew Young, Water Agency Manager. “The Water Agency is pleased to participate in funding these projects in cooperation with our partners.”
The 2019-2020 Care For Our Earth grants paid for 27 projects at 21 schools in Santa Barbara County.
In the last 10 years, the grants have funded 309 projects at nearly every school district in the county.
Previous projects include replacing lawn with a sustainable garden on campus, testing and comparing car exhaust levels and creating solar-powered ovens.
“These grants enable innovative educators to create and teach lessons on environmental issues that impact the world,” said Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools, Susan Salcido. “We are grateful for the agencies who partner with us each year to support engaging experiences in the area of environmental education.”
Teachers can apply online: http://s.sbceo.org/CFOE . Applications are due by the end of the day on Monday, November 9.
For more information, visit the SBCEO Teachers Network website.
