The Youth Environmental Education Grant Program provides funding to schools, organizations, and agencies in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to support youth environmental education and educator training. The program focuses on hands-on, investigative learning based on the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) model, encouraging students to explore local environmental issues through research and develop actionable solutions for their schools or communities. Funding covers various expenses, including field trip costs, fieldwork, transportation, project supplies, and substitute fees. Additionally, the grant aims to enhance educator skills by supporting participation in or development of environmental education professional development.
Eligible applicants include schools, nonprofit organizations, community associations, and faith-based groups located in Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay watershed regions of D.C., Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The program is structured into four funding tracks: Out-of-School Outdoor Investigations (up to $10,000), Outdoor Classroom or Community Improvement Projects (up to $10,000), Professional Development for Educators (up to $5,000), and In-School MWEEs for Pre-K-12 Students (up to $5,000). Matching funds may be required depending on the track and project details, as outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP).
This grant program is a collaborative effort involving the Chesapeake Bay Trust, NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training Program, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Applications must be submitted through the Chesapeake Bay Trust's online system, and applicants should ensure they complete submissions by the deadline to avoid deletion. For assistance, applicants can contact the program's grant manager, Jaren Baluyot, for guidance on the application process.
