FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2017
Contacts:
Lyz Hoffman, APCD Public Information Officer, (805) 961-8819
Steve Keithley, Director, SBCEO Teacher Programs, (805) 964-4711 x5281
Kalani Durham, Water Conservation Specialist at SB County Water Agency, (805) 568-3448
Care for Our Earth Grants for County Teachers
Applications for Environmental Projects Due November 3
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO), Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), and Santa Barbara County Water Agency announced today that applications for the 2017-2018 Care for Our Earth teacher grants are due on November 3, 2017.
Santa Barbara County K-12 teachers are encouraged to apply for this year’s $300 mini-grants. Grant funds can be used for, among other things, project supplies and equipment or to take a field trip, such as to the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, where the APCD’s “Catching Air” exhibit is popular among lower-elementary school students.The grants — funded by the APCD, Santa Barbara County Water Agency, and utility companies, and implemented by SBCEO — have helped educators teach thousands of students about the environment, energy, and alternative transportation, and have helped schools reduce their utility bills and traffic.
“Every year, it’s inspiring to see teachers find fun ways to teach their students about the environment,” said District Director Aeron Arlin Genet. “I’m looking forward to seeing the creative projects proposed by teachers throughout the county this year.”
Said County Water Agency Manager, Fray Crease, “These grants directly benefit our county classrooms to edcuate and inspire the future guardians of our planet. The Water Agency is pleased to be a part of this cooperative program.”
The 2016-2017 Care for Our Earth Grants went to 23 projects at 21 Santa Barbara County schools. Previous recipients have worked with their students to, among other projects, build a worm bin for composting, test and compare car exhaust levels, create solar-powered ovens, map safe routes to walk and bike to school, compose songs about saving energy, learn about bicycle safety, and monitor classroom energy use.
“We value the partnership, vision, and support of the organizations who make these grants possible,” said Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools, Susan Salcido. “Helping our students learn about environmental stewardship and conservation is so important to our planet’s health, and we are grateful to the teachers who make this important message a priority in their classrooms. The Care for Our Earth grants provide resources that teachers need to develop innovative lessons and teaching strategies. We appreciate these agencies for the ways they model the power of partnerships.”
See Resources for Teachers for more information, including the 2017-2018 application form and project examples from previous recipients.
