From the St. Johns River Water Management District
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.
Related: Apopka approves $12.7 million Golden Gem pump station, advancing long-delayed reclaimed water project.
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 August 1 and close at 11:59 pm 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.
Key Points:
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The application deadline is 11:59 pm September 15.
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Awards are up to $3,000 per teacher or school; the District expects to award $60,000 total.
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Eligibility is limited to educators serving grades K-12 in traditional public and public charter schools within District boundaries.
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Confirm that any supplied student image has the necessary publication permissions and include the District's credit information.
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The District's announcement credits more than 141 projects, more than 135 schools, and more than 22,000 students.
About the St. Johns River Water Management District
St. Johns River Water Management District staff are committed to ensuring the sustainable use and protection of water resources for the benefit of the people of the District and the state of Florida. The St. Johns River Water Management District is one of five districts in Florida managing groundwater and surface water supplies in the state. The District encompasses all or part of 18 northeast and east-central Florida counties. District headquarters are in Palatka, and staff also are available to serve the public at service centers in Apopka, Jacksonville, and Palm Bay.
