The city of Austin has allocated a total of $136,000 to support sustainability projects in 53 local schools. This funding, announced by the Austin Climate Action and Resilience office, will be distributed across 65 projects as part of the Bright Green Future Grants Program.
The initiative aims to enhance climate action education and promote environmental stewardship among students. More than half of the schools receiving these grants have a significant number of students from low-income families, qualifying them for Title 1 funding. Out of 55 schools that submitted a total of 140 applications, nearly all were successful in securing funding.
Zach Baumer, director of Austin Climate Action and Resilience, emphasized the importance of experiential learning in environmental education. “When students have the chance to learn sustainability by doing, the impact lasts far beyond the classroom,” he stated. This sentiment reflects the program’s goal to foster a culture of sustainability among young learners.
Details of Funded Projects
The grants, which cap at $3,000 each, will support a variety of projects across the schools. Notable initiatives include the establishment of outdoor classrooms at schools such as Govalle, Mills, and Northwest Elementary Schools, as well as Lamar Middle School and Bowie High School.
Bicycle clubs are set to launch at multiple elementary schools, including Blackshear and Maplewood. Additionally, rain gardens and water conservation efforts will be implemented at schools like Boone and Zilker Elementary Schools.
Educational gardens will also be developed at various institutions, including Campbell Elementary and the UT Child Development Center. Recycling and composting initiatives will engage students at schools such as Ortega and Winn Montessori Elementary Schools.
Another innovative project includes an aquaponics garden and solar-powered bird feeders at Summit Christian Academy.
Burnet Middle School educator Calvin Clary expressed gratitude for the funding, stating, “Our school is grateful to receive a Bright Green Future Grant, which will allow our students to learn about environmental care through regenerative agricultural practices. We’re looking forward to putting this money to the best and highest use.”
Background of the Program
Originally established as the Office of Sustainability, the Bright Green Future Grants Program was founded in 2012 as a collaborative effort involving various city departments. These include the Urban Forestry Team, Austin Resource Recovery, Austin Transportation and Public Works, Austin Water, and Austin Watershed Protection.
The program reflects Austin’s commitment to fostering a sustainable future and equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to combat climate change. With this funding, the city aims to inspire students and create lasting impacts that extend well beyond the classroom.
