SCDES Offers Environmental Education Grants and Free Resources for South Carolina Teachers

As South Carolina educators prepare for the upcoming school year, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has announced a slate of environmental education grants, free classroom materials, and hands-on learning programs for K–12 teachers statewide.

The state initiative is open to teachers in public, private, and charter schools. It aims to connect classroom concepts with real-world conservation efforts, giving students direct opportunities to become environmental stewards within their schools and local communities.

“Environmental education gives students the opportunity to connect what they learn in the classroom to the world around them,” said Myra Reece, Director of SCDES. “By supporting teachers with hands-on resources and meaningful learning opportunities, we’re helping inspire the next generation of South Carolinians to protect our state’s natural resources and public health.”

Grant Opportunities & Classroom Resources

The agency offers several funding avenues and free instructional services tailored for K–12 classrooms:

1. K–12 Recycling Education Grants

Designed to help schools launch or expand sustainability initiatives, this funding source includes two specific awards accessible through a single application:

• Take Action SC Award: Supports projects focused on establishing or enhancing school recycling and composting programs.

• Don’t Waste Food Award: Provides funding specifically targeted at food waste reduction and prevention initiatives in school cafeterias and classrooms.

Applications for recycling education grants will open in late fall, with funding awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Champions of the Environment Program

Teachers planning larger environmental projects can apply for grants of up to $2,500 through the Champions of the Environment program. The grants fund hands-on projects designed to improve local environmental quality while fostering student leadership across water, air, land, and coastal conservation.

3. Educator Workshops & Free Technical Assistance

Beyond direct grant funding, SCDES provides teachers with free curriculum materials, planning assistance, professional development workshops, and in-person classroom presentations through the Take Action SC Partnership.

How Teachers Can Apply

Educators interested in exploring available lesson plans, requesting classroom presentations, or applying for upcoming grant cycles can access detailed information and application guidelines directly through the official agency portal HERE