EPA Awards $215,295 Environmental Education Grant to the University of Arkansas for Medical Services (AR)

(Dallas – July 19, 2013) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding a $215,295 Environmental Education Grant to the University of Arkansas for Medical Services. The grant will provide education to teachers, middle school students and parents on Pesticide Management Practices and Chemical Use Reduction in Homes to promote healthier homes. “Projects like this increase awareness about environmental issues and protect our children where they live, learn and play,” said Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “Partnering with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) centers and aiming our efforts in local communities will also help promote career development.”A new model will be applied in this project to engage target groups through environmental education opportunities by partnering with STEM centers, throughout the nation. The project will focus on teacher training to implement curriculum for the classroom, mentoring for students, parent workshops and the development of an interactive website to reach community members. Approximately 160 science middle school teachers, 400 middle school students and 350 parents will take part in this project. All materials will be translated into Spanish to facilitate further replication of this project.For information on environmental education visit http://www2.epa.gov/educationMore about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html# # #