NOAA B-WET: Bay Watershed Education and Training

About This Grant

NOAA's Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program funds place-based environmental education connected to local watersheds, coastal ecosystems, and marine environments. New York is served by NOAA's Northeast region, which covers the Hudson River, Long Island Sound, New York Harbor, and coastal areas of upstate New York.

B-WET grants support meaningful watershed educational experiences (MWEEs) - structured learning sequences that take students out of the classroom and into local water environments. Programs that use technology to collect and analyze water quality data are strongly competitive under current NOAA priorities.

Eligibility

• K-12 schools and districts in New York coastal and watershed areas
• Nonprofits and nature education organizations
• Aquariums, nature centers, and marine science organizations
• Programs focused on local watershed and coastal ecosystems

Allowable Uses

• Water quality monitoring equipment and sensors
• Environmental science curriculum and field learning
• Watershed education materials and data tools
• Teacher professional development in environmental science

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

• CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — Environmental sensors for watershed monitoring programs. Students collect real water temperature, weather, and atmospheric data - directly aligned to B-WET's place-based learning goals.
• Coding for Climate Kit — Combines environmental science with coding and data analysis. Supports NOAA's interest in technology-integrated watershed education.
• Smart Hydroponics Kit — Sustainable food systems and water science connections. Can anchor programs exploring agricultural runoff, water cycles, and sustainable land use in watershed areas.

Keep in Mind

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE)?

NOAA defines a MWEE as a learner-centered experience that leads to students taking action on a local environmental issue. It includes field investigations, data collection, analysis, and action projects.

How much can New York programs receive?

Awards range from $50,000 to $200,000 for one to two year projects in NOAA's Northeast B-WET region.

Do we need to be near water to apply?

Yes. B-WET programs are place-based and must connect to a specific local watershed or coastal ecosystem. Programs in New York's coastal communities, the Hudson Valley, and Great Lakes regions are well-positioned.

When does NOAA open B-WET applications?

NOAA opens B-WET applications annually by region. Check noaa.gov/office-education/bwet for Northeast region deadlines.

How can Forward Education help?

We provide environmental monitoring program designs, data collection curriculum aligned to NOAA's MWEE framework, and letters of support for B-WET applications.

Related New York Grants

• EPA Environmental Education Grants
• NY State Environmental Education Grants (NYSDEC)
• CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit Programs

Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?

Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.

• Curriculum alignment documents — NY CS & Digital Fluency Standards mapped to our kits
• Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
• Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
• Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines

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