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Eligibility

Local education agencies, nonprofits, and higher education institutions in Texas can apply. For-profit businesses and federal agencies are not eligible as lead applicants. Applications are submitted to EPA Region 6 (headquartered in Dallas) during the annual grant cycle.

  • Eligible: LEAs, nonprofits, and higher education institutions in Texas
  • For-profit businesses cannot lead applications
  • Priority: Projects improving environmental literacy and decision-making
  • EPA Region 6 covers Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana

Program Goals

The EPA awards competitive environmental education grants to support projects that build environmental literacy among students and the public. In Texas, grants come through EPA Region 6. The program prioritizes projects that improve the knowledge, skills, and attitudes people need to make informed environmental decisions.

Projects focused on climate, data, sustainability, and ecological systems are competitive. Projects that empower students to collect and analyze real environmental data are particularly strong.

Application Timeline

EPA environmental education grants are issued on an annual cycle, typically with applications due in the fall. Visit epa.gov/education/environmental-education-ee-grants for the current solicitation. Grants are competitive nationally within each regional pool.

Grant Award Amount

Awards typically range from $50,000 to $100,000. Funds can be used for curriculum development, teacher training, instructional materials, and programming that connects students with environmental science.

Allowable Purchases

EPA grants can support curriculum, environmental monitoring tools, teacher training, and instructional materials. Physical computing tools used for environmental data collection qualify as materials supporting hands-on learning.

Forward Education Tools That Qualify

  • micro:bit Classroom Kits
    Physical computing tools for environmental monitoring projects. Students can build sensors to measure temperature, light, and other environmental variables in their own schoolyard or community.
  • Coding for Climate Kit
    Environmental science coding curriculum that connects data collection to analysis and climate action. Direct fit for EPA environmental education goals.
  • MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
    Explores AI applications in environmental monitoring and decision-making. Helps students understand how technology is used to address environmental challenges.

Keep in Mind

Lead with environmental outcomes

EPA reviewers want to see clear environmental literacy outcomes - what will students know, understand, and be able to do as a result of your program? Be specific about the environmental concepts and skills you will teach.

Connect to real environmental issues in Texas

Projects that address Texas-specific environmental issues - water quality, air quality, urban heat islands, coastal erosion - resonate with Region 6 reviewers who know the local context.

Nonprofit partner can strengthen the application

If your school district can't lead, partner with a Texas environmental education nonprofit as the lead applicant. Many have experience with EPA grant applications.

Evaluation plan is required

EPA requires a formal evaluation plan showing how you will measure environmental literacy outcomes. Include pre/post assessments and observable student behavior changes.

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 - TEKS and state 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
Talk to Our Team

Download the Forward Education Grant Guide

Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.

Get the Grant Guide
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