New grants to boost freshwater literacy, innovative STEM education for K-12 students

Funds will support students and school projects in Michigan LANSING, Michigan – State grants of $1,000-$10,000 will help dozens of Michigan schools boost Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education and support field trips to freshwater locations. Michigan Great Lakes and environmental education leaders announced approximately $156,000 in funding to boost freshwater literacy programs and increase access to real-world STEM experiences for K-12 students. This funding will support incorporating freshwater-focused field experiences and place-based, problem-based, and project-based (3-P Learning in Michigan) approaches to engage students in learning about the importance of Michigan’s Great Lakes and water resources and prepare them for careers in STEM fields. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will award up to $75,000 in $5,000-$10,000 grants to support implementation of student community-based water stewardship projects. EGLE also will provide approximately $81,000 in grants of up to $1,000 each to schools to reimburse transportation costs for field trips to freshwater ecosystems in Michigan during the 2026-27 school year. “If we empower our youth today to find their voice and learn ways they can help protect our Great Lakes and watersheds, they will become tomorrow’s advocates and leaders,” said Emily Finnell, Great Lakes senior advisor and strategist in EGLE’s Office of the Great Lakes (OGL). “As the Great Lakes state with more freshwater coastline than anyplace on Earth, Michigan must provide every student with access to place-based, experiential, water-focused education. These grants will enrich schools and communities throughout the state and cultivate a sense of stewardship for everyone involved.” These new grant opportunities are available through the From Students to Stewards Initiative (FS2S), a collaboration of the OGL, EGLE’s Environmental Education Program, and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s MiSTEM Network. Funds are made available through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.   FS2S launched in 2019 to teach students about the Great Lakes, Michigan watersheds, and the impact people have on water resources. This work has informed a tool kit of resources, information, and real-world opportunities for students and educators, including the MiSTEM Freshwater Literacy and Stewardship playbook. Current FS2S work includes maintaining an updated collection of Freshwater Education Partners and Resources in Michigan to assist schools and educators with accessing local programming and resources to support freshwater education. Current FS2S opportunities also include a competitive small grant program for K-12 schools to support student community-based water stewardship projects that address local water issues. Grants are available through a competitive request for proposals (RFP) to fund project proposals between $5,000 and $10,000. Schools and school districts, intermediate school districts, local education agencies, public school academies, and Tribal Education Agencies not administered by the Bureau of Indian Education may apply for Stewardship project funding to support projects completed during the 2026-27 school year. Applications are due by April 13, 2026. In addition, funding is available through the pilot Wheels to Water Program for noncompetitive grants to schools and school districts for transportation costs for field trips to freshwater ecosystems in Michigan occurring between August 2026 and May 2027. Applicants can apply until Dec. 18, 2026, using an online form. The maximum award is $1,000 to reimburse transportation costs for field trips only. Wheels to Water Program funds are limited, and the funding opportunity may close earlier if available funding is spent before the deadline. The OGL will host a free webinar, “From Students to Stewards Requests for Proposals and Applications,” about the initiative and both grant programs from 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2026. EGLE staff will present details of the RFP and application process and answer audience questions. Advance registration is required. The webinar will be recorded and posted to the website. For more information or to contact a member of the project team, visit the OGL’s From Students to Stewards Page or contact the MiSTEM Network.