Austin provides grant to teachers for green projects

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- From bee colonies to bike trails, the City of Austin is looking to help fund environmentally friendly projects at local schools.

The Bright Green Futures Grant has been offered since 2012. Over 250 grants have been given out to programs throughout the area since then, providing teachers with valuable assistance for developing projects.

"The program was designed with teachers in mind, knowing that they they want to do these projects, they have the heart, they have the soul, they just don't have the time and the money. So we'd like to help them save a little time and then provide those resources for them," said program manger Mary K. Priddy.

Applications for this year's program are due on Sunday, Sept. 22 by midnight. Teachers can fill out the short form on the City of Austin's website.

"It gets them outside and there's some pride in in their campus. I think it lifts everybody's spirits," Priddy said.

Up to $3,000 is awarded to each recipient each year. All local schools are eligible, with the exception of home schools.

Projects are selected on their ability to engage students. Past recipients include gardens, hydroponics, wildlife habitats, and recycling efforts.

"We like to say: if you can think it, we will fund it," Priddy said.

The program is funded through the Office of Sustainability and other department's public outreach budget. "This seemed like a better use of the funds than, you know, 8 million squeeze balls," Priddy said.