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EPA AWARDS $2.1 MILLION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROJECTS - Vermont

Release Date: 10/24/1996
Contact Information: Frank McIntyre, Office of External Programs, (617) 918-1095

BOSTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $2.1 million in grants to states, tribes, schools, universities, and non-profit organizations nationwide for environmental education initiatives.

There are 23 recipients of grants totaling $167,474 in EPA's New England region, including two in Vermont. The New England recipients were selected from 153 proposals totaling requested funds of more than $1.6 million. Sixteen proposals seeking $228,136 came from Vermont.

"These grants represent our smartest investment in the future," said John P. DeVillars, regional administrator of the EPA-New England. "There is nothing more important we can do than educate people about their role in protecting the environment to ensure future generations will inherit a cleaner world.

"Whether it's focused on the streets of South Boston or the wilderness of Maine, environmental education provides us with the most valuable tool in protecting our natural resources," added DeVillars. "I commend the recipients of these grants for their good work to infuse greater environmental awareness into the lives of New Englanders."

The Vermont winners of 1996 Environmental Education grants are:
(Note to editors: A contact for grant recipient is also listed)

Energy and the Environment: a Teacher Training Program -- Lyndon State College, Vermont Energy Education Program $5,000
This project provides teachers and students in grades 5-8 with the opportunity to work with the VEEP "Energy-Scientist-in-the-Classroom." VEEP provides teachers of grades 3-8 with workshops, teaching materials, equipment and supplies, and on-site follow-up to empower them to provide their students a thorough thematic approach to energy efficiency, renewable energy and the environment. (Frances Barhydt 802/626-8346)

Vermont Envirothon -- Vermont Association of Conservation Districts, Middlebury $5,000
Envirothon is a growing national environmental education program aimed at public and private high school students and their teachers. The program is designed to improve environmental awareness and appreciation for wise management, use and protection of natural resources by our future decision makers. A training workshop conducted in the spring provides students and teachers an opportunity for hands-on learning through research, discussion and evaluation of natural resource issues. Students then participate in a statewide competition with going on to compete in a national ENVIROTHON. (Nancy Allen 802/828-4493)