Monroe County School District recently issued the following announcement.
United Way of Collier and the Keys to fund educational opportunities for local K-12 Students.
The United Way of Collier and the Keys has awarded a series of “Creating the Next Generation of Reef Steward-Marine Science Education Grants" throughout Monroe County, with a focus on expanding opportunities and education for students in marine science and conservation. UWCK’s five-year commitment will provide $180,000 to schools and educational facilities throughout the Keys. This year, over $23,000 has been awarded as part of the grant program, with funds providing educational experiences and an expansion of resources to seven schools as well as three marine science non-profit organizations.
“These grants will open a whole new world of marine exploration to our students,” said Monroe County School Board Chair John Dick. “These types of grants help introduce the marine sciences to our kids and can foster a lifelong passion in conservation and sustainability for the environment that is the lifeblood of the Keys.”
The seven local schools funded include Coral Shores High School, Ocean Studies Charter School, The Basilica School, Grace Lutheran School, Sigsbee Charter School, Treasure Village Montessori Charter School, and Sugarloaf School. In addition to the schools, three educational facilities have also been awarded Marine Science Education Grants. Reef Relief, Mote Marine Lab, and REEF will use the funds to expand current hands-on programs for students and to assist teachers with in-class resources.
"The beautiful marine environment is right in our backyards but far too often our children don’t have the chance to explore and understand it. United Way is making that possible,” said United Way of Collier and the Keys Board Vice-Chair Maria Jones. “These grants supporting visits to the Everglades, Dry Tortugas field trips, restoration at Carysfort reef, and more hands-on opportunities will make such an impact on our students.”
The Marine Science Education Grant program is a commitment by UWCK to educate local students and create the next generation of reef stewards. Through a partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), UWCK is investing in the future through a bold initiative of reef restoration with complimentary education to ensure sustainability. For more information on these efforts including the grants, the new Marine Science Resource Guide, and upcoming scholarship opportunities, visit Reef Restoration | United Way of Collier and the Keys (keysunitedway.org)
Original source can be found here.
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