(Richland PIO) – Students at four Richland County schools will receive funding assistance for hands-on conservation projects and environmental education initiatives this school year, thanks to financial support from the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD).
Public, private and alternative schools throughout the County can apply annually for up to $1,000 in grant funding to support youth education initiatives. Since launching the Mini-Grant program in 2012, RSWCD has awarded more than 100 grants totaling over $53,000.
“Our grant recipients utilize the funds to benefit and encourage conservation practices. Through these grants, students receive hands-on experiences to help them better understand the earth and their role in protecting it,” RSWCD Commissioner Mary Burts said.
Projects, participating schools and their respective grant awards for the fall 2024 semester are:
- Project: Weathering and erosion field study
- Participating program: Camp Discovery, Blythewood ($1,000)
- Project: Discovery Classroom water conservation and pollinator garden
- Participating program: HERO Homeschool Group ($1,000)
- Project: Classroom hydroponic systems
- Participating school: Montessori School of Columbia ($1,000)
- Project: Cultivating Conservation: A Green Thumb Project
- Participating program: Salvation Army of the Midlands Doing the Most Good Academy afterschool program ($750)
Community Support for Grants
While Richland County supports the RSWCD’s work with staff and other resources, much of the funding for the Conservation Education Mini-Grant program comes from individual donors, businesses and community support through the Friends of the RSWCD.
“We are grateful for the businesses and individual donors who support our work and contribute to conservation education in Richland County,” said Chelsea Holliday, RSWCD’s administrative assistant of outreach and community engagement.
Applications for Conservation Education Mini-Grants are accepted for the fall and spring semesters. The next application deadline is Jan. 23, 2025. To apply, visit www.richlandcountysc.gov/rswcd.