ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GRANT PRE-APPLICATION DEADLINE NEARS

HARRISBURG, NOV. 28 – State Sen. Connie Williams announced that the cut-off date for pre-applications to the Department of Environmental Education Grants Program for 2006 is Dec. 16^th.

The program provides grants to schools, universities, conservation districts and nonprofit organizations to develop projects to increase environmental awareness among Pennsylvania students. Environmental topics include: sustainable energy sources and technologies, air quality, watersheds and Pennsylvania Department of Education academic standards for Science and Technology – environment and ecology.

“Keep in mind that the approval process for this grant program begins with approval of a pre-application, so it is important to meet the Dec. 16^th deadline if you are interested,” Williams said. “From there, DEP will give the green light to proceed with a full application. This is a great program that promotes environmental stewardship from an early age. Children who grow up caring about the environment and understanding the value of natural resources will become adults who pass that love on to the next generation.”

The Environmental Education Grants program is a reimbursement program. Grants range from $1,500 to $20,000. Funding for grants comes from a 5 percent set aside of the pollution fines and penalties collected annually by DEP.

For complete information about the types of grants available, eligible applicants and programs, visit DEP’s Web site at www.dep.state.pa.us, Keyword: “EE Grants,” or call 717-772-1828. The pre-application and instructions can be downloaded from the Web site and must be signed and mailed by Dec. 16^th.  Successful awards will be announced by the end of July 2006.