The Westchester County Department of Planning and the Westchester County Soil & Water Conservation District have announced a new initiative called “Potable Projects for Tomorrow.” This program is designed to offer financial support to high school teachers in Westchester, providing them with the opportunity to apply for grants up to $1,000 for the 2025-2026 academic year. The funds are sourced from the Soil and Water Conservation District, which is managed by the Planning Department.
The initiative aims to assist teachers in developing projects that align with themes from the annual Westchester County Envirothon. These topics include aquatics, ecology, forestry, wildlife, soils and land use among others.
Blanca Lopez, Commissioner of Planning, expressed her support for the program: “I applaud the members of the Soil and Water Conservation District and Environmental Planning staff for their efforts creating this much needed funding opportunity for high school teachers and students across Westchester County. Potable Projects for Tomorrow provides students with the chance to enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of critical environmental issues. This Program also serves as a vital pathway for preparing the next generation of leaders in a field that faces constant challenges.”
Suzanne Nolan, Chair of the Soil and Water Conservation District, emphasized the educational benefits: “The District is committed to furthering educational opportunities for Westchester’s high school students. These small grants will have a positive impact by providing opportunities to students, and are intended to encourage the inquiry and experiences that will foster a greater sense of stewardship for our local and regional environment. Ultimately, we hope to see the grant beneficiaries as participants at the Westchester Regional Envirothon, but more importantly, play a role in their schools and community.”
Interested educators can find application forms on the Planning Department’s website. Submissions must be completed by June 30, 2025. All approved projects need to be finalized by December 31, 2025.
