Chesapeake B-WET funds locally relevant, authentic experiential learning for K-12 audiences through Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed states. MWEEs involve learning both outdoors and in the classroom as students engage in issue definition, outdoor field experiences, synthesis and conclusions, and stewardship and civic action. The goal is to increase understanding and stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay and local watersheds, including the rivers, upland streams, and natural habitats found throughout the region. Projects advance the environmental literacy goal of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and the NOAA Education Strategic Plan.
This funding announcement has two priorities, numbered without regard to importance for funding: 1) Implementing MWEEs in School Districts and 2) Supporting School District Capacity for Environmental Literacy. Note that a separate funding announcement through B-WET for Statewide K-12 Environmental Literacy Initiatives is also available on Grants.gov.
Deadline: Mar. 3, 2022
Eligible applicants are K-through-12 public and independent schools and school systems, institutions of higher education, community-based and nonprofit organizations, state or local government agencies, interstate agencies, and Indian tribal governments. Forprofit organizations, foreign organizations, and foreign public entities are not eligible to apply; however, for-profit and foreign organizations and foreign public entities may participate with an eligible applicant as a project partner. Likewise, Federal agencies are not eligible to receive Federal assistance under this announcement, but may be project partners.
Under this announcement, NOAA anticipates that up to $900,000 may be available in FY 2022 to fund new applications, subject to appropriations. NOAA anticipates making 9-14 new awards. Projects should not exceed $100,000 annually in Federal funds. Performance periods may be up to three years, but funding beyond the first increment, usually one year, is subject to the incremental funding policy described in Section II.B of this Announcement.
