Deadline: 27-Apr-2026
The National Environmental Education and Training Program enhances the skills and capacity of educators across the United States to teach environmental topics effectively. It supports formal and non-formal educators, pre-service and in-service training, guideline development, state certification programs, and collaborative partnerships to strengthen the national infrastructure for environmental education.
Program Overview
The initiative is designed to build national capacity in environmental education, equipping educators with the knowledge, resources, and networks to promote environmental awareness, problem-solving, and sustainable stewardship. It emphasizes high-quality training, state-level certification support, and collaborative partnerships across agencies and institutions.
Key Focus Areas
- Professional development for teachers, university faculty, and non-formal educators (museums, nature centers, etc.)
- Development and dissemination of environmental education guidelines
- Support for state educator certification programs
- Workshops, online courses, seminars, conferences, and communities of practice
- Strengthening partnerships and national environmental education infrastructure
Funding Details
- Total anticipated funding: $4,740,000 over two years
- Supports projects under Pillar 3: Permitting Reform, Cooperative Federalism, and Cross-Agency Partnership
- Funding requests cannot exceed the two-year total of $4,740,000
Eligibility
- U.S.-based institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, or consortia of such entities
- Activities must take place within the United States or its territories
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced educator capacity to teach environmental issues
- Improved access to high-quality educational resources for communities
- Strengthened state-level certification programs and infrastructure
- Promotion of cooperative federalism through federal-state collaboration
Application Priorities
- Partnerships that advance cooperative federalism and cross-agency collaboration
- Programs that provide high-quality professional learning and resources
- Initiatives that build sustainable national networks of environmental educators
FAQs
1. Who can apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, or consortia of such entities. Activities must be conducted within the U.S. or its territories.
2. What types of projects are supported?
Projects providing professional learning for educators, developing environmental education guidelines, supporting state certification programs, and strengthening partnerships in environmental education are supported.
3. What is the total funding available?
The program has a total anticipated funding of $4,740,000 over two years, with funding provided incrementally. Individual projects cannot exceed this two-year total.
4. Are international organizations eligible?
No, only U.S.-based organizations or consortia are eligible. However, partnerships with other U.S.-based entities are encouraged.
5. Can funding cover salaries and operational costs?
Yes, funding can support activities such as training, workshops, and development of resources. Specific operational costs should align with the project’s environmental education objectives.
6. What is the expected project duration?
Projects are expected to run over a period of up to two years, with outcomes aligned to enhancing national capacity and building sustainable educator networks.
7. How are applications evaluated?
Applications are reviewed based on merit, alignment with program priorities, potential impact, quality of partnerships, and the ability to strengthen educator capacity and state certification systems.
Conclusion
The National Environmental Education and Training Program equips U.S. educators with the skills, knowledge, and collaborative networks necessary to foster environmental awareness, promote informed decision-making, and enhance stewardship of natural resources across communities nationwide
For more information, visit Grants.gov.