This action provides funding in the amount of $474,198 to ST

Grant Award Summary

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 awarded $474,198 to St. Lucie County Education Foundation Inc. under the Geographic Programs - South Florida Geographic Initiatives Program (CFDA 66.484) to develop and implement a hands-on literacy education model focused on protecting the Indian River Lagoon. The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2029, supports the foundation's infrastructure and educational initiatives funded through the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act (IIJA). Core project activities include establishing a native oyster aquaculture program, conducting field trips to the lagoon, and creating an outdoor science classroom on a spoil island. A subrecipient has been engaged to provide student transportation services to support these hands-on learning activities.

The project is designed to enhance environmental science education, increase student engagement with local aquatic ecosystems, and build community awareness of marine life and environmental conservation. Anticipated deliverables include performance and final reports documenting improved student environmental literacy, increased interest in scientific careers, and demonstrated academic achievement gains among student participants. Expected outcomes encompass raised community awareness of environmental factors, increased participation in environmental activities, and improved understanding of ecological conservation practices among Florida residents, with particular focus on fostering sustained educational opportunities and environmental stewardship.

Lucie county education foundation INC., to support the foundations project under the infrastructure and investment jobs act (IIJA) funding to create a hands on literacy education model for students to learn to protect the indian river lagoon. The project also aims to raise awareness of marine life and environmental factors, foster community engagement in environmental activities, and provide sustained educational opportunities.activities:the activities to be performed include hands on learning through a native oyster aquaculture program, field trips to the lagoon and creating an outdoor science classroom on a spoil island. The goal is to boost environmental awareness and ecological literacy among students and the community.subrecipient: subaward included in this agreement for the transportation of students.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include performance and final reports, enhanced student environmental science education and increase student engagement in the engagement in local aquatic ecosystem and a greater understanding of environmental conservation among students and improved academic achievement and an increased interest in scientific careers. The expected outcomes are raised awareness of marine life and environmental factors and community engagement in environmental activities. The intended beneficiaries are citizens in the state of florida.