BOWLING GREEN, Ohio, - The Northwestern Water and Sewer District (The District) recently awarded grant funding for eight teachers from Elmwood Local Schools for educational programs focusing on water. Water And Environment Teacher Education Resources (WATER) grants assist local schools by providing direct funding to support educators in teaching about the importance of water resources. In 2024, The District will provide over $9,000 to local schools to fund water-focused educational programs.
The District presented Katie Smith, Alyssa Reynolds, Kelley Borton, and Rebecca Peery from Elmwood Middle School with a $2,000 WATER grant to purchase a hydroponic growing system. This unique tool will teach students throughout the middle school about water usage, recycling, and energy efficiency.
The District also presented the following Elmwood Middle School educators with WATER grants:
- Fifth-grade social studies teacher Monica Arnold received $250 to purchase supplies for a floating garden.
- Allison Betz will receive a $500 grant to purchase materials to teach students about the impact of water on farming, food, and agriculture.
- The District awarded Ginger Curtis $300 to purchase materials for a STEM project to allow students to design and construct boats, teaching them about water properties, including floating, sinking, dragging, and more.
- A $250 grant was also awarded to Ashley Kuehne to purchase Scholastic Action Magazine to learn more about water-related topics.
The District introduced the WATER grant program in December 2014. The idea began with a desire to give back to the schools and communities The District serves. The program creates educational awareness regarding the importance of water and the environment, and it supports The District’s mission of commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.