OVERVIEW
The FS continues to collaborate with NEEF to build the capacity of FS units (including institutions in the State & Private Forestry network, such as state forests) to use components of NEEF’s Greening STEM model to design and deliver STEM programming. This year, it is anticipated that there will be $30,000 available to issue grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 each for projects during the 2022-2023 academic school year. Through these FS Greening STEM grants, FS and NEEF seek to advance mutual STEM education goals by providing program participants with access to authentic STEM experiences that use the environment and the agency’s unique mission—to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations—as a context for engagement. Programming funded by these grants will utilize STEM-focused content, instructional strategies, training approaches, and collaboration and dissemination technologies to assist school educators and staff in implementing and enhancing learning in and outside of the classroom, with a primary focus on FS-related subject matter. Following project completion, all resources and related content developed under these grants will be made available via NEEF’s Greening STEM Hub. For examples of successful past projects check out NEEF’s collection of project videos and educational resources here.
ELIGIBILITY
This grant competition is open to all Forest Service units, institutions that manage public lands within the State & Private Forestry network, and partners. Applications must be submitted online by a Forest Service point of contact or their nonprofit partner. The application must demonstrate active and collaborative involvement by FS staff, a school or school district, and a community-based nonprofit organization.
Please note: the FS unit is the official applicant responsible for the submission of their application, all required documents, and reports.
Timeline
Application Process
March 15, 2022 – Online applications open
May 13, 2022 – Grant applications are due
May 2022 – Review and grantee selection completed
June 2022 – Award announcement and distribution of funding
Grantee
July 2022 - June 2023 – Grant performance period
July 28, 2023 – Grantee final reports due