Blue School Grants bring hands-on science to local classrooms
Students from plant mangroves as part of a Blue School Grant project that enabled their teacher to convert half of the classroom's aquaponic garden from freshwater to saltwater.
Students across the St. Johns River Water Management District (District) will have new opportunities to explore Florida’s waterways, conduct scientific research and connect with the environment through the Blue School Grant program. The District is offering up to $60,000 in funding for the 2026-2027 school year to support hands-on learning in K-12 public and charter schools throughout the District, helping teachers bring water-focused science lessons beyond the textbook.
Individual awards of up to $3,000 per teacher or school are available to fund water-focused STEAM curriculum or projects such as water quality testing, aquaponics, conservation gardens and watershed studies. The program helps students connect classroom learning to real world environmental concepts, while inspiring them to explore and protect Florida’s water resources.
“Teachers have incredible ideas for bringing science to life, and Blue School Grants help turn those ideas into meaningful learning experiences,” said Ali Pressel, education and outreach coordinator for the District. “The best science lessons happen when students can ask questions, explore and make discoveries for themselves. This funding helps make those experiences possible.”
Applications for the 2026-2027 Blue School Grant cycle open Aug. 1 and close at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 15. Teachers and schools interested in bringing hands-on water science to their students are encouraged to apply. For a full list of application requirements, instructions and key dates, visit www.sjrwmd.com/education/blue-school.
Since 2016, the Blue School Grant program has funded 141 projects at more than 135 schools, supporting more than 22,000 students. These authentic learning experiences give students the opportunity to apply science skills while increasing their knowledge of how their actions impact natural systems.
High-resolution photos and B-roll footage of students participating in Blue School Grant projects are available through the District’s media library.
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