Isle of Wight County Schools Awarded $193,513 NOAA Grant to Enhance Environmental Education for Elementary Students

Isle of Wight County Schools (IWCS), in partnership with Virginia Wesleyan University, has been awarded a $193,513 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program. This funding will support IWCS elementary students in accessing high-quality environmental education through the project, “Meaningful and Accessible Environmental Education: Tailoring Environmental Education Curriculum/Instruction for Students with Exceptionalities.”

This three-year initiative will engage approximately 900 elementary students and 25 teachers in interdisciplinary environmental education, integrating Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs), stewardship activities, and professional development. Teachers and project staff will work collaboratively to adapt environmental science curricula to ensure accessibility for all students, including those with exceptionalities.

“This project is a tremendous opportunity for our students and teachers,” said Stacey Rodgers, Instructional Coordinator for IWCS, who will oversee implementation of the grant. “By tailoring environmental education to meet the needs of all learners, we are fostering a love for science and nature while ensuring that every student has the opportunity to engage meaningfully with their local environment.”

Throughout the duration of the project, all third-grade students in IWCS will participate in hands-on learning activities that combine outdoor and classroom experiences, enhancing their understanding of and connection to local ecosystems.

The NOAA B-WET program is a competitive grant initiative that promotes the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience, a learner-centered framework designed to engage students in local environmental issues and inspire informed action. To learn more about the NOAA B-WET program, visit http://www.noaa.gov/office-education/bwet.

This initiative builds on the success of a previous NOAA-funded project, Shared Waters. The Shared Waters curriculum serves as a foundation for this new project and can be accessed at www.sharedwatersproject.com.