National grant contest supports sustainability of K-12 garden projects
April 24, 2012 – For the third year, GEF and Gardener’s Supply Company are teaming up to offer a $5,000 grant to an existing school or youth garden project to support its ongoing success and sustainability. As part of the Green Thumb Challenge, a free program designed to get kids connected to nature, the grant promotes a gardening project that has a positive impact on the lives of students and their community.Together, GEF and Gardener’s emphasize the value of the garden as a teaching tool, as well as fostering healthy behaviors and a general respect for the natural world. Maree Gaetani, Gardening Relations Director at Gardener’s Supply commented on the relationship: "The Green Thumb Challenge, and especially the $5,000 grant opportunity, is an exemplary model of two organizations working toward a shared goal of inspiring and educating youth through gardening." Victoria Waters, CEO and Founder of GEF, added that “GEF is so pleased with our partnership with Gardener’s Supply. Through this relationship we’ve seen first-hand the power our environment as a learning landscape.”
To learn more about the grant and see winning projects from 2010 and 2011, please visit http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/greenthumbchallengesub/green-thumb-challenge-winners. Submit a contest application form, found on the GEF website, along with a photo or video compilation that summarizes your project by September 30, 2012 to enter.
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About Green Education Foundation (GEF)
Green Education Foundation (GEF) is a non-profit organization committed to creating a sustainable future through education. Sustainability education provides educators with the real-world applied learning models that connect science, technology, and math education with the broader human concerns of environmental, economic, and social systems. GEF provides curriculum and resources to K-12 students and teachers worldwide with the goal of challenging them to think holistically and critically about global environmental concerns and solutions.Become a member for free to gain full access to GEF’s comprehensive library of standards-based lessons and activities at www.greeneducationfoundation.org. Join the sustainability education conversation by following GEF on Twitter @greenedufdn and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/greenedufoundation.