The NOAA Gulf of Mexico Bay-Watershed Education and Training Program (Gulf B-WET) 

Begun in 2008, the NOAA Gulf of Mexico Bay-Watershed Education and Training (Gulf B-WET) Program is an environmental education program that promotes locally relevant, authentic experiential learning focused on K–12 audiences.

NOAA recognizes that knowledge and commitment built from firsthand experience, especially in the context of one’s community and culture, is essential for achieving environmental stewardship. Experiences that are driven by rigorous academic learning standards, engender discovery and wonder, and nurture a sense of community will connect students with their watershed. These experiences will also reinforce an ethic of responsible citizenship and promote academic achievement.

The primary delivery of BWET is through competitive funding that promotes Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). MWEEs are multi‐stage activities that include learning both outdoors and in the classroom, and aim to increase the environmental literacy of all participants. Teachers should support students to investigate topics both locally and globally that are of interest to them, learn they have control over the outcome of environmental issues, identify actions available to address these issues, and understand the value of those actions.

Additionally, Gulf of Mexico B-WET projects support the priority issues of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, a partnership of the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, with the goal of significantly increasing regional collaboration to enhance the ecological and economic health of the Gulf of Mexico. The Alliance has identified the following regionally significant priority issues:

• Coastal Resilience
• Data & Monitoring
• Education & Engagement
• Habitat Resources
• Water Resources
• Wildlife & Fisheries

The Gulf B-WET Program is one of seven B-WET regional programs across the country including California, Chesapeake Bay, Gulf of Mexico, Hawai'i, New England, Great Lakes and the Pacific Northwest. These seven programs make up the National NOAA B-WET Program which responds to regional education and environmental priorities through local implementation.