The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the selection of Nevada’s System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) to receive a competitive grant for environmental education in Nevada. This organization was chosen for its work in promoting youth ecological stewardship and environmental education, with the grant supporting a project to mitigate microplastics in Nevada waterways.
“This year’s grant recipient brings to life the most innovative and effective ideas to engage Nevada’s youth in addressing today’s urgent environmental challenges,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA is so proud to support this organization’s efforts to make progress toward a future with clean air, clean water, and land for all.”
The funding for DRI is one of 38 grants nationwide being announced by the EPA. The projects supported by these grants aim to increase public awareness of environmental issues and provide skills so participants can make informed decisions and take responsible actions toward the environment.
EPA is awarding $100,000 to DRI to increase Nevada’s environmental literacy through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational interventions aimed at addressing microplastic pollution in Nevada’s waterways. The goal of this project is to enhance stewardship through STEM-based environmental education.
“DRI is honored to be awarded this EPA grant, and we are eager to begin our outreach to underserved rural and urban communities across Nevada,” said DRI STEM Education Program Manager Emily McDonald-Williams. “Middle school students and their families will learn about emerging environmental concerns and how to make informed decisions to help mitigate environmental issues.”
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million in Environmental Education (EE) grant funding each year, totaling over $95.1 million supporting more than 3,960 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques.
This year, the EPA is funding 38 organizations nationwide with over $3.6 million. The funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 for organizations that provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 28 states as well as the Republic of Palau, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.
For more information visit: https://www.epa.gov/education.
