Alabama Power Foundation announces Students to Stewards Grants

The Students to Stewards Grant is an initiative aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and conservation education among Alabama’s students. This program provides funding for schools with financial need to create outdoor learning spaces and support conservation-related programming. The primary goal of the grant is to inspire students to take care of Alabama's natural resources while providing schools with the resources needed to integrate hands-on environmental education into their curriculum. It also offers flexibility to help schools create safe, alternative learning spaces during the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, promoting social distancing through outdoor education. The grant application process for the 2024 cycle opens on October 7, 2024, and closes on November 1, 2024. Eligible applicants must be schools with at least 50% of their full-time students receiving free or reduced-price lunches or those designated as Title I schools, demonstrating a clear financial need. Schools must provide details on how the grant money will be used and estimate how many students will benefit from the proposed project. The Alabama Power Foundation will evaluate all applications for compliance with the program’s guidelines, and, if time permits, notify applicants of any modifications needed before the deadline. The grant is intended for projects that directly promote environmental and conservation-related education. Schools are encouraged to use the funds to enhance their current programming or develop outdoor learning environments, which can also serve as alternative learning spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. Projects that inspire students to take an active role in caring for the environment, such as outdoor classrooms, curriculum materials, and other conservation initiatives, are prioritized. Grants of up to $2,500 are available, though the amount may increase depending on the school’s needs. The funds can be applied to a variety of uses, including developing environmental education programs, purchasing materials that support conservation curricula, and building or upgrading outdoor classrooms. This flexibility allows schools to tailor the funds to their specific needs, whether it’s enhancing environmental education or ensuring student safety through outdoor, socially distanced learning environments. The application process is competitive, and schools are advised to submit well-thought-out proposals that clearly define their project’s impact on students and how the funds will be utilized. If applications are submitted early, there may be an opportunity for feedback and adjustments, but those submitted on the final day will not be eligible for revision. The Alabama Power Foundation reviews each application for its alignment with the goals of the *Students to Stewards* program. This grant presents an excellent opportunity for schools in Alabama to expand their conservation and environmental education efforts, particularly in underserved communities, while promoting safe, outdoor learning spaces. By focusing on sustainability and conservation, the program helps cultivate a new generation of environmentally conscious students who understand the importance of preserving Alabama's natural resources.