This project provides funding to mountain studies institute to implement its project, which will design, demonstrate, and disseminate environmental education practices, methods, and techniques, that…

The Environmental Protection Agency Region 8 awarded a $133,333 Project Grant to Mountain Studies Institute Inc. under the Environmental Education Grants Program (CFDA 66.951). The grant will fund the organization's Bridging Mountains: Enhancing Equitable Environmental Education for Southwest Colorado program from April 2023 through April 2025. As the primary recipient, Mountain Studies Institute will implement environmental education activities in 15-20 schools across eight communities in southwest Colorado. It will provide outdoor field trips and hands-on stewardship opportunities to 400 K-12 students, as well as professional development for 80 teachers. The organization will also offer mentorship programs engaging 300 students in grades 7-12. As subrecipients, five other non-profits - including Eros Companilde;, Players Philanthropy Fund, San Juan Mountains Association, Audubon Rockies, and Montezuma Land Conservancy - will help deliver environmental education programming to underserved communities in La Plata, Archuleta, and Montezuma counties. The grant aims to increase environmental literacy and encourage stewardship among local youth.

This project provides funding to mountain studies institute to implement its project, which will design, demonstrate, and disseminate environmental education practices, methods, and techniques, that will serve to increase environmental literacy and encourage behavior that will benefit the environment in southwest colorado. The bridging mountains: enhancing equitable environmental education for southwest colorado program will address the identified needs and barriers for delivering relevant EE content to students of all ages in 15-20 schools in 8 communities. The SAN juan mountains and watersheds are home to communities of various demographics, including the two federally recognized tribes in colorado. To empower the youth to become leaders in identifying solutions to the changing demands of climate and drought, the need to be given the tools to address future climate scenarios through comprehensive environmental education.activities:this project will increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues in southwest colorado and provide students and teachers the skills necessary to make informed decisions and to take responsible actions. Activities to be performed during this project period include: the project will work towards these objectives by 1) providing outdoor activities and field trips that incorporate field work, hands-on stewardship opportunities, and data collection; 2) providing professional development for educators through on-the-job training opportunities, working with school districts to provide EE trainings during in-service days and summer workshops; and 3) providing mentorship opportunities for middle through high school students and young adults. The project will reach 80 k-12 teachers with professional development; 400 k-12 students through environmental-focused field trips; 300 students in grades 7-12 through the SAN juan resilience youth summit; and 90 community member volunteers through stewardship experiences.subrecipient:MSI has selected 5 subrecipients based on regional reach and access to underserved communities. All organizations hold federal tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3). All subrecipients are located in the U.S. With 100% of educational activity taking place in the U.S. Compantilde; eros - build capacity to provide EE to children of underserved immigrant communities, especially of latinx, in LA plata county players philanthropy fund - funds will be directed to the hive durango, which operates through fiscal sponsorship with players philanthropy fund (registered 501(c)(3)); build capacity for developing EE summer programs for its underserved community base in LA plata county SAN juan mountains association - develop EE capacity of teachers throughout the target communities audubon rockies - build capacity to provide EE in target communities in archuleta county montezuma land conservancy - build capacity to provide EE in target communities in montezuma county outcomes:IT is anticipated that this project will result in the following deliverables: -20 place-based fieldtrips provided to 300-500 k-12 students. -10 teachers receive on the-job training and materials needed to lead place-based field trips. - 6 service-learning opportunities provided to 90 students and volunteers. -provide 160 participant hours of iiee workshops to eight school districts reaching at least 80 teachers. Expected outcomes of the project include: -100 youth express increase in environmental stewardship behaviors. -students are engaging in environmental stewardship behaviors, including conservation of quality water resources, and sharing their knowledge of local environmental issues with their families and peers. -more rural coloradan teachers and youth are conversant with and active in conservation of quality water resources. -rural colorado community members make more informed decisions and take responsible actions to improve environmen