Westchester County is now accepting applications for Potable Projects for Tomorrow, a school micro-grant program that helps students learn about the environment in a hands-on way.
The program allows a limited number of High School teachers from across Westchester to apply for funding of up to $1,000 to be used during the 2025-2026 academic year. Using funds from the Soil and Water Conservation District, which the Planning Department administers and staffs, the funding will help teachers work with students on projects that align with topics covered during the annual Westchester County Envirothon. Potential topics include aquatics, ecology, forestry, wildlife, soils and land use and more.
Building on a successful first year, the program provides schools with the resources to bring conservation, soil, and water lessons directly into the classroom and beyond.
Launched in 2025, the program supports projects that help students better understand how the environment impacts their daily lives and how they can be part of the solution. Through small grants, schools can create projects that go beyond textbooks and give students real-world experience with topics such as water quality, soil health, and protecting natural resources. In its first year, students built gardens, tested local water sources and studied trees on their school grounds.
“Programs like this provide students the opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world environmental challenges and help students better understand the importance of protecting our soil, water and natural resources,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins.
County Commissioner of Planning Blanca P. Lopez expressed the need for such grants.
“Our students need healthy soils, clean water and access to funding that supports research and education,” she said. Education is central to the district’s mission and the Potable Projects for Tomorrow grant will enhance our school’s environmental education programs.”
The Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District was established in 1967 and continues to partner closely with Westchester County to promote conservation practices that protect land, water and natural resources. The Department of Planning staffs the District and works with its county executive-appointed Board of Directors to carry out an annual work plan.
Applications can be obtained by emailing SWCD@WestchesterCountyNY.gov.
