Wheels to Water Field Trip Transportation Grants
Eligibility
Michigan K-12 public and private schools may apply. Field trips must visit Great Lakes-related sites including shorelines, beaches, rivers, wetlands, water treatment facilities, or environmental education centers focused on water science. Schools with limited financial resources for field trip transportation are prioritized.
Program Goals
Michigan EGLE's Wheels to Water Field Trip Transportation Grants fund the cost of transporting Michigan students to Great Lakes and water education sites. The program removes financial barriers that prevent schools from taking students on water-related field trips. By connecting students to Michigan's world-class water resources in person, the program builds environmental awareness and appreciation for the Great Lakes.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted through the EGLE grants portal. The current pilot cycle opened March 2, 2026, and is accepting applications through December 18, 2026. Apply on a rolling basis within this window. Schools must describe the field trip destination, educational objectives, and transportation cost.
Cycle Notes
Wheels to Water is a pilot program in 2026, accepting applications through December 18, 2026. Future cycles will depend on program evaluation and budget. Monitor michigan.gov/egle for future cycle announcements.
Grant Award Amount
Wheels to Water grants award up to $1,500 per field trip for transportation costs to approved Great Lakes or water education sites.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — field science tools for Great Lakes and water site visits
- micro:bit Starter Kit — data logging for student water investigations at Michigan field sites
- Smart Hydroponics Kit — water systems science connecting field site learning to classroom follow-up
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Wheels to Water grants in Michigan?
Michigan K-12 public and private schools may apply. Field trips must visit Great Lakes or water education sites. Schools with limited resources are prioritized.
How much funding is available through Wheels to Water?
Grants award up to $1,500 per field trip for transportation costs.
Can Wheels to Water funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Wheels to Water funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do Michigan schools apply for Wheels to Water grants?
Apply through the EGLE grants portal on a rolling basis through December 18, 2026. Describe the field trip site, educational goals, and transportation budget.
How can Forward Education help with Wheels to Water funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Michigan schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to support field-based water science programs. Contact us before submitting your application.
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 — Michigan 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
Explore more Michigan funding resources
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