BAY-WATERSHED EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM

Description: NOAA Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) is an environmental education program that promotes locally relevant, experiential learning in the K-12 environment. The primary delivery of B-WET is through competitive funding that promotes Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). B-WET serves seven areas of the country: California, Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii, New England and the Pacific Northwest. At this time only the Pacific Northwest region (Oregon and Washington) are accepting proposals for Fiscal Year 2013 funding. Check back to the Grant Center for information on other regional programs.

A Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience:

• Is investigative or project oriented.
• Is an integral part of the instructional program.
• Is part of a sustained activity.
• Considers the watershed as a system.
• Is enhanced by NOAA products, services or personnel, where appropriate.

Each of the seven geographic areas has its own funding announcement that includes region-specific priorities, resources, funding availability information and deadlines. The Request for Proposal for the Pacific Northwest Regional competition can be accessed online, here. The deadline to apply was April 23, 2013. All other regions under the B-WET program have already hosted competitions for Fiscal Year 2013 funding. You can access those Request for Proposals from the list below.

• California funding announcement (Deadline: November 1, 2012).
• Gulf of Mexico funding announcement (Deadline: October 19, 2012).
• Hawaii funding announcement (Deadline: September 28, 2012; Letters of Intent due August 24, 2012).
• New England funding announcement (Deadline: October 22, 2012).
• Great Lakes funding announcement (Deadline: November 2, 2012).
• Chesapeake Bay funding announcement (Deadline: December 19, 2012).

Fit for Public Broadcasting: While the specific requirements of this program vary among the different regions in which it is offered, all regions emphasize environmental education, including teacher training. Public media stations' expertise in out-of-the-classroom learning and their strong ties within a community will be beneficial in applications for this program. Public broadcasting stations are eligible to apply directly to this program, but it may make more sense to collaborate with an environmental organization, local educational agency or state educational agency.

Eligibility: Eligible applicants are K-12 public and independent schools and school systems, institutions of higher education, commercial and nonprofit organizations, state or local government agencies and Indian tribal governments.

Anticipated funding: Funding amounts and project periods vary among programs. The Pacific Northwest Program will make approximately six awards. A total of $400,000 will be available in FY13. Each award will not exceed $60,000, and will last for a project period of 12 months.

How to apply: All programs require that applications be submitted through Grants.gov. Online submission requires registration, a process that usually takes three to five business days but can take as long as four weeks. Be sure to visit Grants.gov and begin registering well in advance of the deadline.

Resources:
NOAA's Bay-Watershed Education and Training Program
B-WET Regional Program Information
B-WET Resources
FY 2013 Pacific Northwest B-WET Program Notice (OPEN)
FY 2013 California B-WET Program Notice (CLOSED)
FY 2013 Gulf of Mexico B-WET Program Notice (CLOSED)
FY 2013 Hawaii B-WET Program Notice (CLOSED)
FY 2013 New England B-WET Program Notice (CLOSED)
FY 2013 Great Lakes B-WET Program Notice (CLOSED)
FY 2013 Chesapeake Bay B-WET Program Notice (CLOSED)
Pacific Northwest B-WET Website
California B-WET Website
Hawaii B-WET Website
Great Lakes B-WET Website
Chesapeake Bay B-WET Website