About
NOAA's Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program is an environmental education program that promotes place-based experiential learning for K–12 students and related professional development for teachers. B-WET fosters the growth of new, innovative programs and encourages capacity-building and environmental education partnerships.
NOAA's B-WET program funds locally relevant, authentic experiential learning for K-12 audiences through Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). A MWEE is a learner-centered framework that focuses on investigations into local environmental issues that leads to informed action. MWEEs are multi‐stage activities that include learning both outdoors and in the classroom and aim to increase understanding and stewardship of watersheds and related ocean, coastal, riverine, estuarine, and Great Lakes ecosystems.
This year marks the B-WET program’s 20 year anniversary. We reflect on the immense growth our program has seen over the last two decades by celebrating this milestone with the theme "20 years and growing." Visit the B-WET 20th anniversary webpage for program highlights
New England B-WET focuses on the priorities and challenges facing New England watersheds by helping students and teachers apply scientific methods and tools to understand and appreciate their local watershed system. B-WET encourages students to become more interested in science, technology, engineering, and math. By focusing on watersheds where they live and by participating in personally relevant stewardship projects, students and teachers can become knowledgeable stewards of their local environment.
FY23 New England B-WET Funding Opportunity
New England B-WET focuses on projects that support high quality teacher professional development for classroom-integrated Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). Projects must include the development of teacher-led student outdoor experiences, learning, and stewardship actions that connect students to their local watershed. Projects must be based in New England states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Connecticut.
For Applicants
Application Process
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants are K-12 public and independent schools and school systems; institutions of higher education; community-based and non-profit organizations; state, county, local, or Indian tribal government agencies; and regional organizations. Individuals, federal agencies, for-profit organizations, foreign organizations, and foreign public entities are NOT eligible to apply. Federal employees can serve as uncompensated partners in a project. If you wish to partner with a NOAA employee, in your application you must provide a written agreement documenting the participation, including details of the NOAA employee’s involvement, signed by his or her supervisor. While applicants do not need to be located in New England, the work proposed must occur within this geographical region. NOAA is committed to broadening the participation of historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, and institutions that work in underserved areas. New England B-WET encourages applications from, or applications involving, any of the above categories of institutions.
New for FY23! In an effort to support diverse or new projects, up to 50% of New England B-WET funding will be set aside for new applicants. Therefore, the total funding amount for applicants that have successfully received direct B-WET funding in the past may be limited to approximately 50%. Also, this year projects are limited to a 2 year award period. (This may be subject to change in subsequent funding opportunities depending on available resources.)
How to Apply
The Notice of Funding Opportunity contains information needed to apply for a B-WET grant and includes information to assist applicants in aligning their project proposal to current program priorities. Applicants should read and follow the Notice of Funding Opportunity carefully.
Applicants are required to apply online through Grants.gov. IMPORTANT: Use of Grants.gov requires an advanced registration process that may take a few days or several weeks. In addition, when developing your submission timelines, keep in mind it may take Grants.gov up to two business days to validate or reject a submitted application.
To view the full funding announcement including priorities, requirements, and evaluation criteria visit the “Related Documents” and download the PDF.
When to Apply
This funding opportunity will open on December 12, 2022. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM, ET on February 15, 2023 through the Grants.gov system.
Please be advised: Use of Grants.gov requires an advanced registration process that may take a few days or several weeks. In addition, when developing your submission timelines, keep in mind it may take Grants.gov up to two business days to validate or reject a submitted application. Due to limited staffing of federal offices, hardcopy applications will not be accepted. The Notice of Funding Opportunity provides specific details on this process so please read the full document carefully.
Schedule
Informational Webinars
Informational webinars were provided on 1/10/2023 and 1/16/2023 for potential new applicants. The presentation provided background on the B-WET program, New England B-WET funding priorities for 2023, and provided an overview of the application process. A copy of this presentation and notes can be downloaded here. For additional questions, please contact the New England B-WET Program Coordinator, Allison Rosner (allison.rosner@noaa.gov).
Implicit Bias Webinar Opportunity for Interested B-WET Applicants
The NOAA B-WET program invites interested B-WET applicants to attend a virtual session focusing on implicit bias as it relates to program development. The session will introduce the basic concepts of unconscious biases; provide an opportunity for participants to identify instances of implicit bias in curriculum; and touch on community and partner engagement efforts. A recording will also be made available, please register for more information.
Thursday, January 19, 2023, 3 - 5 p.m. ET
Need Help?
Allison Rosner
Last updated by Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office on 08/17/2023