The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of Mississippi State University Extension to receive $100,000 in funding to support environmental education in Jackson and across Mississippi. The Extension, an off-campus educational arm of Mississippi State University, provides current research and educational information to individuals in all 82 counties. This grant aims to increase public awareness of environmental issues and equip participants with skills for informed decision-making and responsible environmental actions.
“Congratulations to our environmental education grant winners in the Southeast area,” said Acting Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. "Investing in environmental education increases public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues, in addition to providing participants in its programs the skills necessary to make informed decisions and take responsible actions.”
The project will expand the Mississippi Water Stewards program to provide water resource education and outreach activities aimed at building stewardship in communities that need it most. It will utilize a mini-grant program for community-based organizations to lead one-year water monitoring and outreach programs, strategically expanding MSWS in communities across Mississippi with a special emphasis on the Jackson metro area. The project focuses on educational and environmental priorities such as community projects, capacity building for environmental education, environmental justice, and ensuring clean and safe water.
EPA anticipates providing funding for this project once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.7 million annually in Environmental Education (EE) grant funding, 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.
For more information visit EPA’s Environmental Education webpage.
To learn more about current and past award winners or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants webpage which will be updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
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