The Watershed Institute has been awarded an American Water Charitable Foundation 2024 Water and Environment grant to expand its StreamWatch Schools Program in diverse communities.
“We are grateful to the American Water Charitable Foundation for helping The Watershed Institute expand its StreamWatch Schools program,” said Executive Director Jim Waltman.
“StreamWatch Schools is a unique water quality monitoring program led by children. The program enables students of all ages to contribute water quality data to a central online platform and to download data from other schools and water monitors.”
The StreamWatch Schools program is a platform, led by Watershed educators, for teaching STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills to students while fostering an appreciation for nature and preparing students for future careers.
It also promotes environmental stewardship and personal well-being.
The program offers engaging, hands-on activities that teach STEM skills and provide opportunities for students to connect with and explore the natural world. This exposure to nature has therapeutic benefits and promotes mental and physical health, according to the Watershed Institute.
The StreamWatch Schools platform offers teachers a seamless way to incorporate STEM skills and an appreciation for the value of natural resources into their classrooms.
With easy-to-use, turnkey lesson plans aligned with state standards, educators can effortlessly facilitate engaging learning experiences without adding to their workload.
This enables teachers to focus more on inspiring their students and less on curriculum development, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for all involved.
The program serves as an investment in the community by teaching youth valuable STEM skills and instilling in them an appreciation for the importance of safeguarding natural resources that promote human health and well-being.
The program disconnects kids from electronics and connects them with the therapeutic natural world.
The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S. and aims to support high-impact projects and initiatives that further American Water’s commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), as well as inclusion, diversity and equity.
“The American Water Charitable Foundation is committed to participating and investing in organizations and programs that benefit the diverse communities served by American Water,” said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation.
“We take pride and are proud to further American Water’s ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor and strong partner in the community.”