Sea Grant / NOAA Environmental Education in Pennsylvania
What This Grant Funds
NOAA Sea Grant funds research, education, and outreach programs related to coastal and freshwater ecosystems across the United States. Pennsylvania Sea Grant, administered through Penn State, supports education programs that help K-12 students and communities understand the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay watershed, and the state's freshwater resources. Funded programs can include curriculum development, teacher training, field experiences, and student research tied to water, climate, and environmental science.
Who Is Eligible in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Sea Grant works primarily with schools and organizations in the Lake Erie and Chesapeake Bay watersheds. K-12 schools, universities, nonprofits, and community organizations in northwestern and eastern Pennsylvania are well positioned to apply. Partnerships with Penn State faculty or other research institutions can strengthen applications significantly.
Funding Amounts
Pennsylvania Sea Grant awards range from $25,000 to $150,000. Grants are competitive and reviewed through a peer-review process similar to federal research grants. Multi-year projects are possible with strong preliminary data or program track records.
How Forward Education Products Qualify
Forward Education's climate education curriculum and micro:bit-based environmental monitoring tools connect directly to Sea Grant-funded educational priorities. Students can use our physical computing kits to collect water temperature, turbidity, and weather data during watershed field experiences, building STEM skills alongside environmental literacy. This approach supports Sea Grant's goal of developing students who understand and care about freshwater and coastal ecosystems.
How to Apply and Timeline
Pennsylvania Sea Grant posts its annual funding priorities and application guidance through the Penn State Sea Grant website. Applications are typically due in the fall or early winter. Working with a Penn State extension educator or Sea Grant contact before applying can help you align your project to current program priorities and strengthen the application.
Visit NOAA Sea Grant to find the Pennsylvania Sea Grant program contact and current funding opportunities.
