2022 Pacific Northwest Bay Watershed Education and Training | NOAA NOS ONMS 2022 2007128

Opportunity Information: Apply for NOAA NOS ONMS 2022 2007128

The 2022 Pacific Northwest Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) opportunity is a competitive NOAA funding program designed to expand high-quality environmental education for K-12 learners through locally relevant, hands-on watershed experiences. The focus is on supporting Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs), which center on authentic, experiential learning that helps students connect classroom content to real environmental conditions in their own communities. In addition to student learning experiences, the program also funds professional development for teachers and related efforts that strengthen regional education and environmental priorities across the Pacific Northwest.

For this solicitation, the Pacific Northwest region is defined specifically as Oregon and Washington. NOAA frames the program around the idea that first-hand, place-based experiences, especially those grounded in a students community and culture, are a strong driver of environmental stewardship and responsible citizenship. The opportunity emphasizes instructional experiences aligned with rigorous academic standards and designed to spark curiosity and discovery, with the broader goal of improving student learning outcomes while building long-term engagement with watershed and marine issues. NOAA also notes that experiential approaches like MWEEs can increase interest in STEM fields, supporting federal goals under the America COMPETES Act.

The program is administered under the Department of Commerce by NOAA, with the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries playing a leadership role in coordinating several B-WET regions nationally. The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries manages a large network of protected underwater areas across U.S. marine and Great Lakes waters, and the Pacific Northwest B-WET program is positioned to connect grantees to NOAA assets and STEM expertise where relevant. A key theme is capacity building, meaning the program is not only interested in one-time events, but also in strengthening organizations and partnerships so they can deliver sustained, effective watershed education over time.

Awards are offered as grants and cooperative agreements under CFDA 11.429. The maximum award amount listed is $150,000, and NOAA anticipated making about 7 awards under this opportunity. Eligible applicants are broad and include state, county, and city or township governments; independent school districts; public and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments; 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (excluding institutions of higher education in that category); and for-profit organizations other than small businesses. The opportunity was posted on November 15, 2021, with an original application deadline of February 4, 2022, under funding opportunity number NOAA NOS ONMS 2022 2007128.

In practical terms, this opportunity supports projects that get students outside and engaged in credible, standards-based investigations of watershed systems, paired with teacher training that helps educators deliver and sustain that learning. The program is intended to align environmental education with real regional needs in Oregon and Washington, while leveraging NOAA science, sites, and expertise to strengthen both educational quality and long-term stewardship outcomes.

• The Department of Commerce in the education, energy, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "2022 Pacific Northwest Bay Watershed Education and Training" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.429.
• This funding opportunity was created on Nov 15, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 04, 2022. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $150,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 7 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses.

Apply for NOAA NOS ONMS 2022 2007128

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