A total of 53 schools in Austin will receive funding for sustainability projects, thanks to the efforts of the city’s climate-focused office, Austin Climate Action and Resilience. The funding, which amounts to $136,000, will be distributed across 65 projects through the Bright Green Future Grants Program. This initiative aims to foster climate action in local educational institutions.
The announcement, highlighted in a city newsletter, indicates that more than half of the recipient schools serve a high percentage of students from low-income families and qualify for Title 1 funding. A total of 55 schools submitted 140 applications, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainability education. Each project received a maximum grant of $3,000.
Zach Baumer, director of Austin Climate Action and Resilience, expressed optimism about the impact of these initiatives. “When students have the chance to learn sustainability by doing, the impact lasts far beyond the classroom,” he stated. “These small but powerful projects show what’s possible — and give us real optimism for the future.”
Details of Funded Projects
The funded projects cover a range of sustainability initiatives, including outdoor classrooms, bicycle clubs, rain gardens, and school gardens. Notable projects awarded grants include:
– **Outdoor classrooms** at Govalle, Mills, and Northwest Elementary Schools, Lamar Middle School, Eastside and Bowie High Schools, and the St. Francis School.
– **Bicycle clubs** established at numerous elementary schools such as Blackshear, Blanton, and Guerrero-Thompson, as well as at Kealing Middle School.
– **Rain garden and water conservation efforts** at Boone, Langford, Perez, and other elementary schools, including Kealing Middle School and Magnolia Montessori for All.
– **School gardens** implemented at Campbell, Nan Clayton, and several other locations, promoting hands-on environmental education.
– **Recycling and composting programs** engaging students at Odom, Ortega, and Winn Montessori Elementary Schools, among others.
– Initiatives focusing on **planting and caring for trees** at Barron, T.A. Brown, and additional schools.
– An **aquaponics garden** and solar-powered bird feeders at Summit Christian Academy.
Calvin Clary, an educator at Burnet Middle School, expressed gratitude for the grant, 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
The Bright Green Future Grants Program, established in 2012, was created by the former Office of Sustainability, now known as Austin Climate Action and Resilience. The program is funded through collaboration with various city departments, including the Urban Forestry Team, Austin Resource Recovery, and Austin Water, among others.
This initiative not only supports educational institutions but also strengthens community ties and promotes environmental stewardship among the younger generation. As these projects unfold, they are expected to equip students with essential skills and knowledge that will contribute to a more sustainable future.
