A total of $60,000  in state funding has been awarded to two Erie-based organizations for innovative environmental education initiatives that will engage students in hands-on learning and stewardship projects this summer. 

Erie Arts & Culture received a $30,000 grant for the Art & Science of Water. The program is a multi-disciplinary summer camp experience for students in grades 4 through 8. 

The program consists of three one-week camps focused on the themes of food, sustainability, and streams. 

Additionally, the Regional Science Consortium at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle received $30,000 for its Coding for Climate Change initiative. 

The three part educational series will engage students in grades 3 through 12 through field experiences, laboratory work, and robotics-based problem-solving. 

The funding was awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education Grants program. The program supports projects that enhance environmental literacy and encourage stewardship.