In the fiscal year 2024 state budget, Gov. Phil Murphy allocated $4.5 million to support climate change education in New Jersey schools. The New Jersey Department of Education announced in an advisory that it is releasing a second grant opportunity to further advance the implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in support of Climate Change Education and to support the work of local educational agencies in expanding climate change education across New Jersey.

Expanding Access to Climate Change Education and the NJSLS through Interdisciplinary Learning and Community Resilience NGO

The purpose of this competitive 12-month grant opportunity is to expand equitable access to high-quality, standards-based climate change education for K–12 students, encourage the development of student-centered learning opportunities and increase engagement in location-based climate change education. Up to 80 eligible LEA grant awardees will plan, coordinate and execute an interdisciplinary, project-based unit plan and a corresponding student-led community resilience project focused on climate action and solutions in the students’ local community to further their standards-based climate change education initiatives.

The NJDOE expects to make up to 80 awards, not to exceed $31,875 each, for which eligible New Jersey LEAs may apply beginning Jan. 22, 2024. The NGO is available on the NJDOE’s Grants Management webpage.

NGO Application Deadline Dates

The application for the Expanding Access to Climate Change Education and the NJSLS through Interdisciplinary Learning and Community Resilience NGO is available through the Electronic Web-Enabled Grant system via NJDOE’s Homeroom. Completed applications are due in the EWEG system by 4 p.m. Feb. 29, 2024. Specific details regarding the grant opportunity and the application can be found in the EWEG system.

A webinar to support LEAs with the application process will be held virtually by NJDOE on Jan. 25, 2024, from 10 am to 11 am. Please register online to participate in the webinar.

For questions regarding climate change education, including questions regarding the fiscal year 2024 grant opportunities, contact the NJDOE via email.

The NJDOE also recently announced another notice of grant opportunity related to climate change education.