This program offers non-competitive grants of up to $1,000 to help Michigan-based schools cover transportation costs for field trips to Michigan’s freshwater ecosystems.

Key details:

• Who can apply? Schools and school districts in Michigan.
• What’s covered? Transportation-related costs.
• When to apply? March 2026 through December 2026, or until funds run out.
• When must trips occur? Between August 2026 and May 2027.
• What’s required? Field trips must occur in a Michigan freshwater ecosystem and include experiential learning activities that teach students about the Great Lakes and advance their Great Lakes literacy. 

Download the Request for Application

This program provides competitive grants of $5,000 to $10,000 to support student-centered, community-based water stewardship projects.

Key requirements:

• Develop and implement a 3P learning opportunity focused on local water issues that provides K-12 students and educators with opportunities to engage firsthand with Great Lakes ecosystems and increase their Great Lakes Literacy.
• Facilitate a student-centered, 3P-based, stewardship action project that addresses a local freshwater challenge, incorporates a related field-based activity, builds youth problem-solving skills, and includes partnerships with community organizations.
• Incorporate elements that support development of the future water workforce through building student awareness of career pathways and providing workforce development experiences such as meeting water professionals through community partnerships.

Who can apply?

• Schools and school districts
• Local education agencies
• Tribal education agencies not administered by the Bureau of Indian Education
• Intermediate school districts
• Public school academies

Complete applications must be received no later than Monday, April 13 at 5 p.m. ET to be considered. 

Download the budget form to use when applying (.XLSX)