Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today welcomed a four-year grants scheme to support students to develop innovative sustainability projects at their schools.
The Sustainable Schools Grants program is open to all NSW public schools and provides up to $15,000 for student-lead initiatives to help improve the environment at schools.
“I’m proud that the NSW Government has launched these new Sustainable Schools Grants, which will provide $10 million over four years to support hands-on sustainability projects for our young people,” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for schools in the Cootamundra electorate to get behind and I look forward to seeing the projects that come from this within our local area.”
Grant applications must be for projects that include hands-on activities for students to learn about sustainability, be linked to the curriculum and improve the sustainability of the school environment.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the grants are about the students, their education and allowing them to take responsibility for the sustainability of their school and local area.
“I expect we’ll see a wide variety of sustainability projects, or strategies for more sustainable transport, or plans to establish kitchen gardens. This funding will enable schools to bring those ideas to life.”
The first round of grants applications can be submitted until 29 November 2019, and successful applicants will be notified in February 2020. Schools will implement their projects by November, when the following year’s applications open again.
