This project provides funding to new roots charter school to implement its project, which will design, demonstrate, and disseminate environmental education practices, methods, and techniques, that…

New Roots Charter School received a $138,849 Environmental Education Grants Program (CFDA 66.951) award from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2, effective September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2027. The project delivers a comprehensive environmental education initiative designed to increase environmental literacy and foster sustainable behavior among middle and high school students and community members in Ithaca, New York. Key deliverables include a multi-year strategic curriculum plan integrating traditional ecological knowledge, a school-wide interdisciplinary curriculum focused on human impacts on Cayuga Lake, restoration activities in the Cayuga wetlands, introduction of environmental conservation career pathways, and a comprehensive project evaluation plan. The initiative is anticipated to directly benefit 120 students and 10 teachers through improved environmental literacy and decision-making capacity.

The project leverages multiple subrecipient organizations to enhance program quality and scope. Green Schools National Network provides curriculum development and staff training support; the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment contributes strategic planning and integration of Indigenous ecological knowledge; Cayuga Nation Educators deliver culturally grounded instruction; Discover Cayuga Lake provides community engagement; and the Community Science Institute conducts water quality monitoring. This collaborative model positions students to progress from environmental awareness to active problem-solving and decision-making roles as environmental stewards within their community.

This project provides funding to new roots charter school 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 ithaca, new york. The grantee will do this by designing a multi-year interdisciplinary study on the human impacts on cayuga lake and the mitigation techniques embedded in indigenous ecological knowledge. The program is designed to move students from the awareness stage to the decision making and problem-solving phase as direct contributors to their environment. Activities:this project will increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues in ithaca and provide middle and high students and community members the skills necessary to make informed decisions and to take responsible actions. Activities to be performed during this project period include design additions to the whole school's curriculum to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge, restoration of the cayuga wetlands, introduction of students to environmental conservation pathways, and project evaluation.subrecipient:subrecipients green schools national network will support curriculum development and staff training; center for native peoples and the environment will support strategic planning and integration of traditional ecological knowledge; cayuga nation educators will be funded; discover cayuga lake will also be funded; community science institute will monitor water quality in partnership outcomes:IT is anticipated that this project will result in the following deliverables: a multi -year strategic plan, a school wide curriculum, and a evaluation plan. Expected outcomes of the project include improved environmental literacy in 120 students and 10 teachers, stakeholder awareness of the project progress and status, as well as a comprehensive understanding and commitment to continued stewardship and the recognition and value of traditional ecological knowledge. The intended beneficiaries include students, teachers, stakeholders, and the general community.