FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Fran Rudoff, KIDS Consortium
August 18, 2009 207-784-0956
frudoff@kidsconsortium.org
Final Days to apply for Grants dedicated to “Green Schools” Service-Learning Projects
Auburn, Maine – KIDS Consortium announces the availability of funds for “Green” service-learning projects at K-12 schools, such as energy efficiency or recycling. Students involved in these projects will also have an opportunity to participate in a 2010 Green Schools Student Summit where they will share their projects with students from around the region. Funding for this initiative is provided by grants from the State Farm Youth Advisory Board, the Horizon Foundation and the Sam L. Cohen Foundation.
Based in Auburn, Maine, KIDS (Kids Involved Doing Service-Learning) Consortium helps transform classrooms and communities through an award-winning educational model that has touched more than a quarter-million students across New England and New York. The mission of KIDS Consortium is to prepare young people to be active and responsible citizens by training and supporting educators, community organizations, and youth in best practices for service-learning. Through service-learning, K-12 students identify, research and address real community challenges, using knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.
Proposals for up to $750 grant awards are being accepted through August 31. Applicants can include K-12 educators, students, and community organizations working with youth to plan and implement a “green school” service-learning project throughout New England.
Projects funded by this initiative must solve a problem or address a local need related to making schools and neighborhoods healthier and more environmentally sustainable (e.g. reduce non-renewable energy consumption within schools and other community buildings; use fewer consumable products to both save energy and costs; promote outdoor green spaces and trails; use more locally grown food to reduce transportation costs and energy consumption and improve nutrition; improve air quality in and near schools, etc.)
Training workshops for educators on service-learning and Green Schools will be held throughout the region in September and October. Additional information about Green Schools, professional development for educators, and an on-line grant application form can be found at: www.kidsconsortium.org.
Tags: Grants, Green Schools, Kids Consortium, Service Learning