B-WET is an environmental education program that promotes locally relevant, experiential learning in the K-12 environment. The primary delivery of B-WET is through competitive funding that promotes Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). B-WET currently serves seven areas of the country: California, Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, Hawai'i, New England, and the Pacific Northwest.
A Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (.pdf) is one that:
- is investigative or project oriented
- is an integral part of the instructional program
- is part of a sustained activity
- considers the watershed as a system
- is enhanced by NOAA products, services, or personnel, where appropriate
The B-WET program aims to promote environmental literacy in society, supporting individuals to understand, protect and restore watersheds and related ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems. 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. Carefully selected experiences driven by rigorous academic learning standards, engendering discovery and wonder, and nurturing a sense of community will further connect students with their watershed, help reinforce an ethic of responsible citizenship, and promote academic achievement. B-WET maintains relevance by responding to regional education and environmental priorities through local implementation. Please refer to the regional funding opportunity announcements for specific priorities.
B-WET regional funding opportunities are generally published in late summer or fall each year. Funded projects provide meaningful watershed educational experiences for students and related professional development for teachers in support of regional education and environmental priorities in seven areas of the United States: California, Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, Hawai'i, New England, and the Pacific Northwest. Please check this page periodically for updates on future opportunities.
For general questions about the B-WET program contact the B-WET National Coordinator: Bronwen Rice, NOAA Office of Education, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Room 6863, Washington, D.C. 20230; 202-482-6797; E-mail: Bronwen Rice.
2016 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY - NOW CLOSED
FY16 B-WET California Federal Funding Opportunity Announcement (.pdf).
Details:
Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Pacific time on December 16, 2015.
Proposals being submitted in hard copy must be postmarked or provided to a delivery service on or before December 16th, 2015, 5 p.m., Pacific Time.
Please see funding opportunity announcement for complete details.
The California B-WET Program is a competitive grant program that supports existing, high quality environmental education programs, fosters the growth of new, innovative programs, and encourages capacity building and partnership development for environmental education programs throughout the entire the San Francisco Bay, Monterey Bay, and Santa Barbara Channel watersheds. Successful projects provide Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) for students and related professional development for teachers.
Website: Click here.
Contact: Seaberry Nachbar, NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries, (831)647-4201,
seaberry.nachbar@noaa.gov
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2016 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY - NOW CLOSED
FY16 B-WET Gulf of Mexico Federal Funding Opportunity Announcement (.pdf).
Details: NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Region is now seeking proposals under the Gulf of Mexico Bay-Watershed Education and Training (Gulf B-WET) Program. The full FY16 Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) can be found at Grants.gov under funding opportunity number NOAA-NMFS-SE-2016-2004691.
Applicants should apply through Grants.gov. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on December 11, 2015 to be considered for funding. Please see the FFO for all application details.
Website: Click here.
Contact:
Amy Clark, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office, (228)688-1520, amy.clark@noaa.gov or
Jeff Brown, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office, (727) 551-5732, Jeff.Brown@noaa.gov
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2016 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY - NOW CLOSED
FY16 B-WET Great Lakes Federal Funding Opportunity Announcement (.pdf)
Details: Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (Great Lakes Region) is seeking proposals under the Great Lakes B-WET Program. Successful projects provide Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) for students and related professional development for teachers, while advancing regional Great Lakes education and environmental priorities. The full FY16 Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) can be found at Grants.gov under funding opportunity number NOAA-NOS-ONMS-2016-2004696.
Applicants should apply through Grants.gov. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on January 29, 2016 to be considered for funding. Please see the FFO for all application details.
Website: Click Here.
Contact: Cathy Green, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, (989)356-8805 x10,
cathy.green@noaa.gov
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B-WET currently serves seven areas of the country: California, Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii, New England, and the Pacific Northwest. Since 2002 NOAA has awarded over $69 million to support more than 650 B-WET projects. With FY15 funding B-WET will reach an estimated 66,000 students and 2,000 teachers through competitive funding for 84 new and ongoing projects.
2015 B-WET Awards
2014 B-WET Awards
2013 B-WET Awards
2012 B-WET Awards
Interested in learning about past B-WET projects? Please see the regional pages below or contact your regional
program manager:
The resources below will help you prepare to submit an application for B-WET grant funding. Please note that some regions offer grantwriting workshops for prospective
applicants. Please see regional websites or contact the Program Manager for your region for more information.
B-WET Budget Template (153KB excel)
B-WET applicants are encouraged to partner with local NOAA entities. To locate potential NOAA partners in your area, visit NOAA in your State or the NOAA Assets page.
