Grant applications sought for Ocean Guardian School Program

Promote ocean conservation at your school or in your local community by becoming an Ocean Guardian School. The Ocean Guardian School program provides funding for school projects focused on current issues affecting local watersheds and/or the ocean while promoting best environmental practices. Through a school or community-based project, schools work to make a difference in the health and protection of their local watersheds, ocean and national marine sanctuaries. Any K-12 school located in the following California counties can apply for an Ocean Guardian School grant: Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $4,000 per school depending on the level of the project and the funding year. Grant applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on May 1, 2012. If your school is up to the challenge, apply now at this link:  http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education/ocean_guardian/og_application.pdf