HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced the awarding of $980,256 in Environmental Education Grants to 56 projects aimed at promoting environmental education and stewardship throughout the state. Most of these projects will benefit environmental justice communities—areas more vulnerable to climate change, air pollution, and water contamination.
“These projects help connect people to the ways we can protect the air we breathe and the water we drink,” said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Nearly every grant we are awarding will support people in environmental justice communities to improve educational opportunities and people’s connections to their environment.”
The Environmental Education Grants program focuses on engaging youth and adults who live, work, or study in these heavily impacted areas. This year, 48 of the funded projects (97 percent) will provide educational activities specifically designed for these communities.
The projects funded for 2024 will offer a broad array of environmental learning experiences. These include immersive field trips for youth, practical climate mitigation projects for community residents, and support for school districts developing new curriculum standards based on the Science, Technology, Engineering, Environment, and Literacy Skills (STEELS).
Meaningful environmental education programs are essential for fostering informed decision-making that leads to sustainable communities and a healthier environment. Participants in these programs gain the knowledge and skills necessary to make choices that positively impact their surroundings.
Grant recipients come from various sectors, including schools and colleges, environmental and community-based organizations, county conservation districts, and eligible businesses. The diversity of applicants reflects the widespread interest and commitment to environmental education across the state.
The DEP’s Environmental Education Grants Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993. This act requires that five percent of the pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the DEP be allocated to environmental education initiatives. Since its inception, the program has awarded over $14 million to support more than 2,200 projects.
The importance of this funding extends beyond mere financial support. It empowers communities, especially those in vulnerable areas, to take active roles in environmental stewardship. By equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and tools, these grants help create resilient communities capable of tackling environmental challenges.
Applications for the 2025 Environmental Education Grants Program are expected to open in August 2024, with a submission deadline in mid-November 2024. Schools, organizations, and businesses interested in applying should prepare to present innovative proposals that align with the program’s goals of enhancing environmental education and justice.
The DEP’s commitment to environmental education reflects a broader understanding of the interconnectedness between human health and environmental well-being. As communities learn more about their environments, they become better equipped to protect them, ensuring a sustainable future for all Pennsylvanians.
By investing in these educational initiatives, Pennsylvania is not only addressing immediate environmental concerns but also laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability and resilience. The grants serve as a catalyst for positive change, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility that begins with education and leads to tangible action.
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