October 20, 2009
Grants Promote Hands-On Learning in NE Michigan
Students in northeast Michigan will have the opportunity to experience hands-on Great Lakes science, thanks to a mini-grant program administered through the Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan. Teachers in the Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle Educational Service District and the Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District were recipients of the first round of grants.
The grant-funded projects will allow students to learn about the Great Lakes by studying watersheds and water quality, monitoring fish, growing their own lunch food in a school garden, and developing nature trails in a state park. See the complete list of grant recipients and projects below.
Michigan Sea Grant is part of the Regional Northeast Michigan Education Collaborative coordinating the mini-grants. Brandon Schroeder, Northeast Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator, is a member of the collaborative leadership team coordinating grant applications and the resulting projects. Schroeder also played a key role in securing the overall grant funding.
“These mini-grants will provide on-the-ground support for northeast Michigan teachers and students,” said Schroeder. “This is a really exciting opportunity to involve area schools and businesses in Great Lakes science.”
This was the first round of grant awards. Additional participating schools have the opportunity to apply for mini-grants over the next 20 months. For more information or application guidelines, see the Community Foundation.
The grant program is part of a new regional hub supported by the Great Lakes Fishery Trust’s Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative. This northeast hub – one of seven educational hubs in Michigan – recently received $200,000 from the Fishery Trust. Developing engaging, hands-on Great Lakes stewardship projects that both enhance student learning and make a difference in northeast Michigan communities is a primary goal of the program. Educators will receive professional development, as well as technical assistance from participating community partners and the Great Lakes stewardship leadership team.
The Great Lakes Fishery Trust is a private foundation established in 1996 and has awarded education grants to enhance the Great Lakes fishery. Michigan Sea Grant enhances the sustainability of Michigan’s coastal communities, residents, and businesses through research, outreach and education.
Learn more:
List of grant recipients and projects —Regional Northeast Michigan Education Collaborative
Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle Educational Service District
Rogers City Schools
Teacher: Holly Wirgau
Grant: $1,500
Project: Trout River Watershed with Presque Isle Drain Commissioner and County Conservation District.
Inland Lakes High School
Teacher: Rebecca Heckman
Grant: $2,700
Project: Sturgeon River Stream Monitoring Program working with Trout Unlimited, DNR Fisheries and others.
Onaway High School
Teacher: Scott Steensma
Grant: $6,000
Project: Creating a GreenLab school garden project – kids learn while growing their own school lunches.
Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District
Alcona Community High School
Teacher: Brian Matchet
Grant: $6,000
Project: Interpretive Sign/Trail Development at Negwegon State Park with DNR Parks and Recreation.
Sanborn Elementary School
Teacher: Bob Thomson
Grant: $6,000
Project: Thunder Bay Watershed Study with DNR Fisheries, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
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