Young announces nearly $60,000 in grants for environmental education

Rep. Regina Young    May 24, 2024 | 9:32 AM

PHILADELPHIA, May 24 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, today announced that a combined $59,502 has been awarded in Environmental Education Grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to projects in the 185th Legislative District.

The DEP Environmental Education Grants program prioritizes proposals that engage youth or adults who live, work, or attend school in environmental justice areas. Funding for 48 projects (97 percent) support educational activities that will benefit people living in environmental justice areas.

“Our communities in South and Southwest Philadelphia and Delaware County have been historically ravaged by industry and development,” explained Young of the environmental justice issues in the 185th Legislative District. “Fostering education through environmental learning opportunities will help our young people connect with their natural surroundings and the impact that they have on their world.”

Three grants have been awarded that will directly affect the 185th district:

  • Friends of FDR Park was awarded $5,000 for the “FDR Park Nature Center” to establish a free library of equipment and educational materials, rotating environmental displays, and an expanded slate of free, hands-on programs for all ages, but especially for elementary-age children.

  • Pennsylvania Resources Council Inc. was awarded $27,060 for hosting “Stormwater Equity: Increasing Access to Rain Barrels for Overburdened Communities” in Allegheny, Fayette, and Delaware counties. The project will host eight education workshops focused on watershed protection, stormwater management, and environmental literacy.

  • The Pennsylvania State University was awarded $27,442 for “Environmental Stewardship Taking Action Again.” The program will deliver online and hands-on Environmental Stewardship Trainee programs to 18 volunteers who will, in turn, lead at least 80 citizens from Huntingdon, Lehigh, Monroe, Philadelphia, and Pike counties in climate and water quality projects.

These grants are part of over $980,000 in Environmental Education Grants to promote environmental education and stewardship across Pennsylvania.

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