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Louisiana Environmental Projects Win EPA Awards

Release Date: 7/17/2000
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

                                 
       Cenla Pride of Alexandria, Teaching Responsible Earth Education of New Orleans and the Louisiana Environmental Education Association based in Kenner will receive Environmental Education Grants totaling almost $27,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The projects increase environmental awareness while encouraging students to pursue careers in environmental fields.

       "The creativity, enthusiasm and commitment of these students and their adult sponsors will help ensure that our environment is protected for future generations. These projects are powerful examples of what can be accomplished when concerned individuals work together to improve their neighborhoods and communities," EPA Regional Administrator Gregg Cooke said.

       Cenla Pride of Alexandria will receive a $5,000 grant in support of its Water Quality Workshops. The Workshops keep students and community participants abreast of human health threats from improper handling of solid waste.  Family habits of housekeeping and yard maintenance are explored so that children and their families can easily understand how their behaviors impact their surroundings.

       Teaching Responsible Earth Education of New Orleans will receive a grant of $20,255 in support of its Outdoor Program for Urban Youth program, designed to increase fourth grade academic achievement in science.  The outdoor classroom enables urban participants to experience hands-on life systems of the environment, and teaches the ability to "live lightly," or lessen impact on the immediate environment.

       The Louisiana Environmental Education Association, based in Kenner, will receive a $l,660 grant in support of its Tools for Non-formal  Environmental Educator Workshop. This project is developing a statewide cadre of non-formal educators knowledgeable in science and environmental education reform.  These individuals use reform tools to revise and develop their own educational materials in line with mandated state guidelines.

       This year Region 6 received  57 entries from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Fourteen groups were selected to receive $100,000 in Environmental Education grants.

       Since 1992, EPA has received between $2 and $3 million in grant funding per year and has awarded about 1,700 grants nationwide. More information about Environmental Education Grants and information on applying for grants to be awarded in 2001 is available on EPA's web site at https://www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html or by calling the Region 6 coordinator at 214.665.2204 or toll-free at 800.887.6063.