The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office has released details of the FY21 Chesapeake Bay-Watershed and Training Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program funding opportunity. Applications are due by March 1, 2021. The full Notice of Funding Opportunity is now available and  includes comprehensive information about eligibility and the application process. Information sessions will be held on January 7, 2021, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time and January 19, 2021, at 11:00 AM. To register for these webinars, please visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/5640848003659402256.

 This year, new grants will focus on one of the following two priorities: increasing local school district capacity to plan for and deliver curriculum-embedded environmental education, and implementing system-wide Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE) in school districts. NOAA recognizes that educators are facing challenges due to shifts between in-person and virtual learning this year and because of this aim to provide maximum flexibility in how B-WET programs are delivered. These grants are intended to help school districts develop long-lasting MWEE programs that exist well beyond the grant funding.

 This year the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office has also included an optional Special Interest Area of Community Partnerships. This includes projects that partner specifically with community organizations that are run by and/or serve marginalized groups, particularly minority communities. For more information on the Priority Areas and Special Interest area, please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

 Questions may be directed to Elise Trelegan, Chesapeake B-WET Program Coordinator (elise.trelegan@noaa.gov).