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EPA Awards Environmental Education Grants in Oklahoma

Release Date: 8/21/1998
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

      The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that five Oklahoma projects have been selected to receive nearly $40,000 in Environmental Education grants.

       This annual grant program was designed to promote environmental awareness and responsibility at the grass roots level. Approximately three million dollars will be awarded nationwide this year.

       "Region 6 received more than 100 applications for this year's grant competition and more than $200,000 has been awarded for environmental education projects in the five-state region. This response underscores the concern citizens throughout Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas have for improving and preserving our environment," EPA Regional Administrator Gregg Cooke said.

       Oklahoma State University in Stillwater was awarded $5,000 to adapt existing materials to expand a hazardous materials awareness curriculum.

       Tulsa Public Schools will receive $4,401 to develop programs using native wetlands areas. Programs will focus on teacher training in ecological biodiversity, community education opportunities, and student and teacher instructional activities using real-world environmental research.

       The University of Oklahoma will use a $5,000 grant and a closed landfill in Norman to promote students' interest in science careers. Guided by a high school science teacher, students will become directly and intimately involved in professional scientific research at the former landfill.

       A $20,751 grant to Miami Public Schools will involve secondary students in studies focusing on Tar Creek issues. Students will research locally relevant topics such as water quality, lead exposure hazards, and explore solutions to environmental problems associated with mining operations.

       The YMCA Camp Classen Outdoor School in Davis will train more than 300 teachers and 100 camp staffers to teach nearly 10,000 student campers about industrial and home recycling with its $5,000 award.

       Educational institutions, state and tribal environmental or educational agencies, and nonprofit organizations, including public broadcasting agencies, are eligible to apply for Environmental Education grants. Complete information and application forms for1999 grants will soon be available on the Internet at https://www.epa.gov/enviroed. After mid-September, this information also can be obtained by calling EPA Region 6 at (214)665-2204 or (800)887-6063.