Environmental Education Grants

Grants of up to $3,500 per project are available this year to help inspire teachers to implement an interdisciplinary approach to teaching about the environment and to foster new ideas. The PSEG Environmental Education Grant Program began in 1991 as a partnership with the New Jersey Business/Industry/Science Education Consortium (NJ BISEC) and designed in cooperation with the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education (ANJEE). The goal is to provide financial resources to classroom teachers who strive to link their students’ understanding of science, mathematics, and/or technology concepts with an enthusiasm and appreciation for the environment.

Since 1991 over $388,000 has been awarded to fund 160 projects in over 105 school districts across our territory.

2012-2013 Funding Cycle Timeline

Grants Accepted: April 10, 2012 - June 15, 2012

Evaluation Phase: June 18, 2012 – July 13, 2012

Award-Winning Teachers and School Principals Contacted: July 16, 2012 - July 20, 2012

Notification Letters Sent to Non-Recipients: August 1, 2012

Who May Apply?

Once again this year, in an effort to expand our geographic outreach, the PSEG Environmental Education Grant Program is open to educators of grades K-9 who teach in:

PSE&G's electric or gas service areas
New Jersey schools within PSEG’s Estuary Enhancement Program Areas
All schools in Salem and Cumberland Counties (new in 2012)
All schools in the State of Delaware (new in 2012)

Grants are available to teachers who can successfully link their students' understanding of science, mathematics, computer science and/or technology concepts with an enthusiasm and appreciation for the environment. Public, private, parochial, and charter schools are eligible to apply. This year, PSEG will award $35,000 in grants.

(Back to Top)

How May the Funds Be Used?

Funds may be applied to equipment, materials and field trips that would not normally be provided by the school or school district. Specific budget criteria are provided on the grant application.

(Back to Top)

What Types of Proposals Will Be Considered?

Ideas for the development of one or more classroom units.
Expansion or refinement of an existing course or curriculum.
Extension of classroom work to community or after-school activities.

(Back to Top)

What Must the Application Include?

Clearly defined and valid project objectives and outcomes.
Ability to link environmental education concepts with an understanding of science, mathematics, computer science and/or technology.
Clearly described, well-planned activities; creativity a plus.
Evidence of grade level appropriateness and direct student involvement; community involvement a plus.
Clearly itemized budget with estimated costs; expenses must be appropriate to project.
Ability to successfully evaluate project.
Evidence of alignment with several New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards (for New Jersey schools) or Delaware Content Standards (for Delaware schools).

(Back to Top)

What Are the Other Grant Requirements?

The school or school district is required to conduct the grant project for at least two years. Grant funding may also be spread over a two-year period if the school/school district deems it necessary. The school/school district is also encouraged to continue the project after this source of external funding expires.

A brief, written interim report will be due by September 20, 2013 and a final written report will be due by September 19, 2014. Report guidelines will be provided. Grant recipients will also be expected to assist other educators by sharing the results of their successful projects, in a format that can be posted at this Web site.

(Back to Top)

How Do I Apply for a Grant?

Just complete the grant application (pdf) which must be postmarked no later than June 15, 2012.

(Back to Top)

How and When Will Grantees Be Selected?

Proposals are reviewed by an impartial, expert panel of formal and informal educators as well as policy makers in the areas of science, technology, and environmental science. All selections are made by non-PSEG employees. The judges review each submission to identify the top proposals for funding. The key criteria for funding include:

Clearly defined and valid project objectives and outcomes;
Ability to solidly link environmental education concepts with an understanding of math, science, and/or technology;
Strong alignment with the appropriate state’s Core Curriculum Content Standards (for public schools) or school’s standards (for private schools);
Appropriate and realistic evaluation of the project;
An approach that is innovative, inventive, and fun; and
A realistic and reasonable budget that is focused on essential classroom tools and creation of out-of-class opportunities. Judges typically do not fund non-educational consumables (i.e. t-shirts, bags).

Grantees will be announced in August 2012. Funding will be provided to the school or school district for distribution to the teacher recipient(s), who will use the grant money in accordance with the approved budget.

(Back to Top)

Still Have a Question?

Send us an email.

(Back to Top)

Learn about the projects awarded in 2011-2012