Two exciting funding opportunity for high school environmental educators and students in Vermont are being offered by Walking Softer, a mission-driven organization dedicated to informing, inspiring, and supporting changemakers to take bold action for a more sustainable and just future.

Together, the Walking Softer Education Program and the Walking Softer Education Scholarship provide meaningful support for both educators and students—offering resources to learn about environmental issues, take action in local communities, and continue sustainability-focused education beyond high school.

Walking Softer Education Program: Learning, Action, and Community Impact

The Walking Softer Education Program is a free environmental education program for high school–aged students, designed to be facilitated during class time, in clubs, or in after-school settings. The program equips students with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to explore real-world environmental challenges and implement solutions in their own communities.

Students engage with lessons focused on three core sustainability topic areas:

• Rewilding

• Sustainable food systems

• Material waste management

Following the lessons, students design and implement a community-based sustainability project using Walking Softer’s How-to Guides—turning learning into action and creating tangible local impact.

Participating groups are eligible for:

• Up to $2,000 in project funding

• A $1,000 teacher stipend for educators who facilitate the program

Walking Softer Education is intentionally designed to be accessible, flexible, and empowering, making it easy to integrate into a variety of learning environments while supporting both student leadership and educator time.

Now accepting sign-ups for the 2025–2026 school year
Deadline to sign up: February 20, 2026

Walking Softer Education Overview.pdf

From Classroom Action to What Comes Next: Walking Softer Education Scholarship

2025-2026-1024-Scholarship-Flyer.pdf

For students who participate in the Walking Softer Education Program, the opportunity doesn’t end with a community project.

The Walking Softer Education Scholarship is a separate but connected funding opportunity designed to support high school juniors and seniors as they take their next steps beyond high school. This scholarship recognizes students who are passionate about sustainability and committed to creating positive environmental change—no matter the path they choose.

The scholarship awards $5,000–$20,000 to eligible students pursuing:

• A 2- or 4-year college or university, or

• A trade or technical school

There is no required major. Whether students envision making the business world more sustainable, using art or storytelling to advocate for climate justice, or installing renewable energy infrastructure, this scholarship is meant to support a wide range of sustainability-focused futures.

The application process is intentionally accessible and inclusive, welcoming students whether this is their first time applying for a scholarship or they are already familiar with the process.

Scholarship Deadlines & Key Details

• Application opens: January 7, 2026

• Application closes: April 19, 2026 at 11:59pm PST

• Virtual scholarship info session: March 4, 2026 at 4:00pm PST

Application link:
https://aim.applyists.net/WalkingSofter

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a junior or senior in high school

• Have participated or be currently participating in the 2025–2026 Walking Softer Education Program

Selected scholarship recipients will also:

• Participate in a 1-hour engagement session in Fall 2026

• Share a testimonial about the impact of the scholarship

• Submit a final reflection at the end of the year in which they use the scholarship

❓ Questions?

Students, educators, or families can reach out directly to education@walkingsofter.org with any questions.

Please feel free to share this opportunity with students, counselors, families, and community partners who may be interested.

Applications are now open for A Watershed for Every Classroom, a year-long supported professional development program for educators in the Lake Champlain Basin, kicking off August 3–6, 2026!

As part of the program, educators visit a variety of sites around the Champlain Basin. Pictured is Chazy Fossil Reef.

Explore how people, places, and things tell the stories of the region. Throughout this course, you'll learn more about the science and history of the Lake Champlain Watershed; engage in field work and exploration at a wide variety of sites both on and in the water; and receive materials and resources to take back to the classroom. This course is presented by the Champlain Basin Education Initiative, a community of organizations engaged in watershed education.

Open to formal and informal educators in all subject areas and grades. Priority will be given to those who teach in the Lake Champlain Basin of New York, Vermont, and Quebec. Applications are due March 23, 2026. See more details & apply.

Get inspired by projects from the last Watershed for Every Classroom cohort.

The program kicks off with four days of connection and learning on Lake Champlain.

From Waterwheels to Waterways: Engineering Design and Environmental Science in the Lowell Mills A 3-Day Hybrid Professional Development Institute for Grades 6-12 Educators Dates: (in-person dates) Week of July 13th, 2026 Location: Online via Zoom, and 2 in-person days in Lowell, MA In this 3-day hybrid institute, participants will explore the Lowell and Merrimack River Watershed through hands-on, inquiry-based learning that connects history, engineering, and environmental science. With guidance from local experts and partners, educators will investigate the industrial legacy of Lowell, examine its environmental recovery, and collaborate to design a working model of the city’s historic mill-and-canal system. Awareness Inspires Conservation: From Data to Action A 4-Day Professional Development Institute for Grades 3-8 Educators Dates: July 20th-24th, 2026 Location: Cape Cod, MA (Eastham, MA/Chatham, MA) This four-day Summer Institute immerses educators in real-world conservation challenges, from species recovery to human-wildlife interactions, through authentic research, data analysis, and field investigations. In collaboration with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and the Center for Coastal Studies, participants will engage in hands-on activities such as shark dissection, coastal exploration, and data mapping, with an optional fifth day featuring a “Science in the Harbor” tour in Provincetown, MA. Resilient Coasts: Using Local Phenomena to Understand Climate Solutions A 3-Day Professional Development Institute for Grades 6-12 Educators Dates: July 28th-30th, 2026 Location: Crane Beach, Trustees of Reservations (Ipswich, MA) This multi-day summer Institute offers educators a place-based professional learning experience in coastal science and conservation at Crane Beach, combining hands-on fieldwork with collaboration alongside scientists. Through authentic data analysis and exploration of restoration projects, participants will gain tools and strategies to connect local environmental change to broader science concepts and classroom inquiry.

Educators can learn more about these Institutes at www.wadeinstitutema.org, and more info, including registration details, will be available soon!

Registration Now Open for 2026–27 Programs

VEEN organizational member Shelburne Farms is now accepting registrations and applications for a rich lineup of summer and yearlong professional learning opportunities rooted in education for sustainability, place-based learning, and climate resilience.

Whether you’re an early childhood educator, classroom teacher, school leader, or non-formal educator, these programs offer meaningful ways to deepen your practice, connect with peers, and bring sustainability-centered learning back to your community.

Summer 2026 Programs

• Foundations in Education for Sustainability
  July 6–10
  Explore core principles and practices that support sustainability-focused teaching and learning.

• Project Seasons for Young Learners: Cultivating Joy and Wonder
  July 13–17
  Designed for early childhood educators, this immersive week centers joy, curiosity, and nature-based learning for young children.

• Immersion in Education for Sustainability
  July 21–23
  A shorter, intensive experience for educators looking to integrate sustainability into their work.

Yearlong Institutes & Fellowships (2026–27)

These cohort-based programs begin with summer kickoffs and continue throughout the school year:

• Northeast Farm to School Institute
  Kickoff: June 23–25
  Applications due February 9
  Support whole-school approaches to farm-to-school integration.

• Education for Sustainability Leadership Academy
  Kickoff: July 27–29
  For educators and leaders seeking to grow their impact and lead systems-level change.

• A Watershed for Every Classroom
  Kickoff: August 3–6
  Applications due March 23
  Engage students in watershed-based learning and local environmental stewardship.

• Climate Resiliency Fellowship
  Kickoff: August 11–13
  Build capacity to support climate education and resilience-focused action in schools and communities.

Explore the Full Calendar

Each program offers a unique entry point into sustainability education, grounded in Shelburne Farms’ inspiring landscape and collaborative learning model.

View the full calendar and learn more about  all the upcoming programs and events at Shelburne Farms.

VEEN is proud to highlight the work of our organizational members and share opportunities that support educators across Vermont and beyond. We encourage you to check out these offerings and consider applying or registering soon—many programs have limited space and early deadlines!

EPA Seeks Applicants for Environmental Education Grants  

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $3.2 million in funding for locally and regionally focused environmental education grants is now available under the Environmental Education (EE) Grant Program. EPA will award grants between $200,000-$250,000 each, up to 16 grants nationwide.  

These grants support hands-on projects that help people better understand environmental challenges in their own communities and take practical steps to address them. Funded projects will focus on environmental education efforts that use modern tools, including artificial intelligence, to help identify problems early, monitor water quality, and prevent future water contamination before it affects families and neighborhoods. Funded projects will also provide participants the skills necessary to make informed decisions to take responsible actions toward environment stewardship.  

Applications are due on March 3, 2026.    

Interested in learning more?  

• Review EE Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)  
• Visit the Environmental Education Grant homepage  

EPA Region 1 is offering community-based organizations the opportunity to borrow PurpleAir sensors as part of an air sensor loan program. These units are user-friendly, Wi-Fi-enabled, stationary sensors that collect particulate matter (PM) data, specifically PM_2.5, and can transmit the data wirelessly to an online map, where you can observe the amount of PM in the air in real-time. Take a look at this map to see all of the registered PurpleAir units in action! 

The loan program can be a useful community education tool since it provides a uniform framework for investigating outdoor air quality, which can empower community members to reduce emissions of and exposure to harmful PM pollution where they live, work, and play.  

For more information about the loan program and how to apply, please refer to the Program Plan. Additionally, EPA Region 1 hosted an information session in January 2025 about participating in the loan program. The information session covered information included in the Program Plan. If you would like to view the recorded information session, please email Michelle Coombs.   

Applications are required in order to be considered for a loan. EPA offers two (2) rounds of open application periods. The first deadline for submitting applications was October 1, 2025. The next deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2026.

To request an application, email coombs.michelle@epa.gov 

Let’s Go Compost, a national nonprofit focused on hands-on soil science and STEM education, is offering free indoor worm composting farm kits to 100 public schools nationwide in celebration of Earth Month 2026.

This opportunity is open to public schools (including charters) in all 50 states, as well as summer school programs. Homeschool groups may apply by partnering with their local public library, which must complete the public library form on their behalf.

Each selected school will receive:

• A small indoor worm compost bin (designed for classroom use)

• 500 composting worms

• 3 hours of virtual support

• Access to K–12 NGSS/STEAM-aligned classroom composting curriculum

• A digital Worm Care Guide and optional follow-up support

Let’s Go Compost provides all initial materials and educational support for setup and curriculum integration. Participating schools are responsible for ongoing care and maintenance of the worm farm. After the program concludes, schools are encouraged to continue using the system for ongoing STEM learning and food-waste education.

Who Should Apply?

This mini grant is a great fit for:

• Elementary, middle, or high school classrooms looking to add hands-on STEM and soil science learning

• Educators interested in introductory composting and food-waste reduction

• Schools exploring environmental or sustainability initiatives for the first time

• Classrooms planning Earth Month, science, or environmental education projects

• Summer school programs seeking engaging, inquiry-based learning experiences

• Homeschool groups working in partnership with a public library

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and awarded in the order received.

Learn more and apply:
https://www.letsgocompost.org/schools

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVT-U4vndvKaZ7gzTjcLKNkcG-VCHIxCiNRW6BxYaPBViUQA/viewform

Inspire the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders: Join the 2026 Vermont Envirothon!

If you’re looking for a powerful way to bring hands-on STEM learning to life for your students, the 2026 Vermont Envirothon Competition is the perfect opportunity. For nearly 30 years, Envirothon has connected Vermont high schoolers with real-world environmental science—engaging more than 2,000 students in meaningful, field-based learning since 1996.

This year, we invite you and your students to be part of this unforgettable experience.

Save the Date: May 20, 2026

Location: Buck Lake, Woodbury, VT

The winning team will earn the honor of representing Vermont at the North American Envirothon, hosted at Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS, from July 19–25, 2026.

What is the Vermont Envirothon?

The Vermont Envirothon is a statewide competition where high school teams dive deep into environmental science and natural resource issues. Students apply their knowledge of forestry, wildlife, soils, and water resources through hands-on challenges, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Teams consist of five students (grades 9–12) and a coach—any teacher, volunteer, or adult mentor can serve in that role. Schools may register up to two teams.
Registration cost: $75 for the first team, $50 for the second.

What Students Will Explore

Envirothon’s five core topics help students develop a strong foundation in environmental science and real-world conservation:

Aquatic Ecology

Students evaluate freshwater and marine ecosystems, identify aquatic organisms, and learn about watershed health and non-point source pollution.

Forestry

Guided by professional foresters, students practice tree ID, explore forest dynamics, and study sustainable forest management techniques.

Soils & Land Use

Working with soil scientists, students investigate soil characteristics, conservation practices, and how soils shape agricultural, urban, and rural systems.

Wildlife Ecology

Students examine species adaptations, habitats, human-wildlife interactions, and how to maintain ecological balance.

Current Environmental Issue: Non-Point Source Pollution—It Begins at Home!

Teams research a real-world scenario and present their solutions to a panel of judges during the oral presentation component.

Resources to Support You

We’re committed to helping educators feel confident and prepared:

• February Virtual Training Series
  Online sessions led by station leaders
  Thursdays, 3:15–4:30 PM (Zoom)
  More details coming soon.

• Free Training Kits
  Borrow Forestry Kits, Soil Analysis Kits, and Water Quality Monitoring Kits to help your team practice.

• Lesson Plans & Activities
  Access topic guides, key study points, and classroom-ready activities on the Vermont Envirothon Educational Resources page.

• Participant Perks
  All students receive an Envirothon t-shirt—and yes, there will be exciting prizes!

Why Bring a Team?

Envirothon is so much more than a competition. It’s:

• A chance for students to apply classroom learning in the field

• An opportunity to build teamwork, leadership, and public speaking skills

• A powerful way to deepen environmental literacy

• A hands-on experience that often becomes a highlight of the school year

Many educators even incorporate Envirothon topics into their curriculum to extend student learning and engagement.

Register Your Team

Ready to inspire your students?
Register here: VT Envirothon 2026 Team Registration Link

Have questions? Reach out to our Envirothon Coordinator:
Lucas Goldfluss
lucas@winooskinrcd.org
(802) 497-5513

Learn more at www.envirothon.org or www.vacd.org/programs/envirothon/.

We can’t wait to see Vermont’s next generation of conservation leaders out in the field this spring!

Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in partnership with NEIWPCC, seeks to fund projects that increase organizational capacity and long-term effectiveness of watershed organizations working in the Lake Champlain Basin. 

The intent of this funding opportunity is to assist watershed organizations with the early stages of their development or to assist established watershed organizations in strengthening their capacity. The goal is to increase an organization’s capacity to achieve their mission, rather than develop new programming or education and outreach efforts (this work can be requested via other LCBP grant competitions). 

All organizations seeking funding through this category must have a specific focus on achieving water quality improvements in the Lake Champlain watershed. 

Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded, with a total of approximately $250,000 in available funding. One proposal may be submitted per eligible organization. 

“Watershed organizations across the Basin play a critical role in implementing water quality and habitat restoration projects, as well as educating and involving our communities,” said Dr. Eric Howe, NEIWPCC Program Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. “We are proud to offer organizational support funding to boost our partners’ capacity for undertaking this work.” 

The awarded projects will advance the goals of the long-term Lake Champlain management plan Opportunities for Action (plan.lcbp.org). This grant opportunity is supported by funds awarded to Lake Champlain by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and in partnership with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. 

Proposals are due at 5:00 PM EST on January 5, 2026, and projects are targeted to begin work in August 2026. An informational webinar will be offered on December 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (register for the Zoom meeting here). 

For further information, contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT at (802) 372-3213 / (800) 468-5227 or visit www.lcbp.org. 

-end-

The Lake Champlain Basin Program coordinates and funds efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. The program works in partnership with federal agencies, state and provincial agencies from New York, Vermont, and Québec, local communities, businesses, and citizen groups. NEIWPCC—a regional commission that helps the states of the Northeast preserve and advance water quality—serves as the primary program administrator of LCBP at the request of the Lake Champlain Steering Committee and administers the program’s personnel, finances, and contracts. NEIWPCC is a program partner of LCBP. For further information, contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT at (802) 372-3213 / (800) 468-5227 or visit https://www.lcbp.org/.

Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in partnership with NEIWPCC, seeks to fund projects that improve public understanding of and engagement with watershed issues in the Lake Champlain Basin.

This opportunity is intended to support efforts that increase awareness of challenges facing the Basin’s water quality and ecosystems, and that foster informed decision-making and stewardship.

Grants are available in two categories: 

• Small Education and Outreach Projects: Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded, with a total of approximately $180,000 in available funding. One proposal may be submitted per eligible organization.
• Large Education and Outreach Projects: Grants between $15,000 - $50,000 will be awarded, with a total of approximately $400,000 in available funding. Up to two proposals may be submitted per eligible organization.

“Public understanding and engagement are critical to the work of managing and restoring our watershed” said Dr. Eric Howe, NEIWPCC Program Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. “Awarded projects will build on past and current projects and programs that collectively help to build an informed and involved public.”

The awarded projects will advance the goals of the long-term Lake Champlain management plan Opportunities for Action (plan.lcbp.org). This grant opportunity is supported by funds awarded to Lake Champlain by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and in partnership with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Proposals for small projects are due at 5:00 PM EST on December 15, 2025, and projects are targeted to begin work in June 2026. Proposals for large projects are due at 5:00 PM EST on January 5, 2026 and are targeted to begin work in January 2027. An informational webinar will be offered on November 19, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. (register for the Zoom meeting here).

For further information, contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT at (802) 372-3213 / (800) 468-5227 or visit www.lcbp.org.