From Students to Stewards: Water Stewardship Project Grants
Eligibility
Michigan K-12 schools and youth-serving organizations may apply. Projects must engage students in hands-on water science, monitoring, or stewardship activities focused on Michigan water bodies (Great Lakes, rivers, lakes, or wetlands). Students must play an active role in project design and implementation.
Program Goals
Michigan EGLE's From Students to Stewards grant program, administered by the Office of the Great Lakes, funds student-led water stewardship projects that connect Michigan youth to local water bodies. Students design and lead real scientific investigations, water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, or community education projects related to Michigan's water resources. The program builds environmental literacy and science skills while producing measurable environmental outcomes.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted through the EGLE grants portal during the annual application cycle. This program is new in 2026, with future cycles expected annually. Contact EGLE's Office of the Great Lakes or monitor michigan.gov/egle for current application announcements.
Cycle Notes
From Students to Stewards is a new program (2026). Future annual cycles are expected. Monitor the Michigan EGLE website at michigan.gov/egle for upcoming application windows and RFP announcements.
Grant Award Amount
Grants award up to $10,000 per project for water science equipment, materials, field supplies, and program costs tied to the approved student-led water stewardship project.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — water quality and environmental monitoring for Michigan student stewardship projects
- micro:bit Starter Kit — data collection and field science for student-led Great Lakes investigations
- Smart Hydroponics Kit — water systems and ecosystem science aligned to Michigan water education
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Michigan Water Stewardship Project Grants?
Michigan K-12 schools and youth-serving organizations may apply. Students must play an active role in the water science or stewardship project.
How much funding is available through Michigan Water Stewardship Grants?
Awards are up to $10,000 per project.
Can Water Stewardship Grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Water Stewardship Grant 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 Water Stewardship Grants?
Monitor the Michigan EGLE website at michigan.gov/egle for annual cycle announcements. This is a new program (2026) with future cycles expected annually.
How can Forward Education help with Water Stewardship Grant 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 meet the learning outcomes this grant funds. 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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