NOAA B-WET: Bay Watershed Education and Training
What This Grant Funds
NOAA's Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program funds K-12 environmental education programs that use place-based, experiential learning to teach students about local watersheds, Great Lakes ecosystems, and environmental stewardship. Illinois is within NOAA's Great Lakes B-WET region, making Illinois schools and nonprofits eligible for watershed-focused grants.
Who Is Eligible in Illinois
Illinois K-12 schools, school districts, nonprofits, and informal science education organizations are eligible through the Great Lakes B-WET program. Organizations must provide meaningful watershed educational experiences (MWEEs) — structured, multi-day programs that involve students in investigation, action projects, and synthesis. Programs near the Great Lakes or major Illinois waterways are especially competitive.
Funding Amounts
B-WET grants range from $50,000 to $200,000. The Great Lakes region is one of the most active B-WET regions. Check NOAA's B-WET page at noaa.gov for current solicitation details.
How Forward Education Products Qualify
Forward Education's Climate Action Kit enables students to collect real-time environmental data — temperature, light, air quality — using micro:bit sensors. This data-collection capability connects directly to watershed science and climate monitoring, providing the experiential, student-driven investigation component that B-WET values. A proposal that pairs micro:bit environmental sensors with Great Lakes watershed fieldwork is well aligned.
How to Apply and Key Deadlines
B-WET applications are submitted through grants.gov under the NOAA B-WET solicitation. The annual solicitation typically opens in winter with deadlines in spring. Applications require a detailed MWEE design, organizational qualifications, evaluation plan, and budget. Partner with an environmental education nonprofit or science museum for a stronger application.
Keep in Mind
B-WET has specific requirements for what counts as a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience. Review NOAA's MWEE framework before writing your application. Programs that involve students in genuine environmental investigation — not just a single field trip — score highest.
