NOAA B-WET (Bay Watershed Education and Training) Program - New England Region

Program Type: Competitive grant program

Geographic Scope: Seven U.S. regions: California, Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii, New England, and Pacific Northwest

Focus Areas:

• Environmental education and literacy
• Watershed education
• Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE)
• Student investigations into local environmental issues
• Informed environmental action and stewardship
• Community-based environmental solutions

Eligible Applicants:

• Educational organizations and partnerships
• Schools and alternative education programs
• Nonprofit organizations focused on environmental education
• Programs serving K-12 and professional educators

Program Description:
NOAA B-WET is a competitive grant program supporting watershed education and training. The program uses the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE) framework—a learner-centered approach that focuses on student investigations into local environmental issues and leads to informed action. The program supports environmental education, fosters student success and learning interest, and empowers students to implement environmental solutions in their communities.

Program History and Impact:

• Expanded to serve seven regions nationwide
• Celebrating 20+ years of impact (as of 2022)
• Since 2002: Awarded over $110 million to 874 B-WET projects
• Current annual reach: ~4,000 educators and ~80,000 students

MWEE Framework Components:

• Learner-centered approach
• Local environmental issue investigations
• Implementation of informed action

NESS Partnership:

• NESS received a three-year NOAA B-WET grant beginning Fall 2021
• Expands environmental education for students in Hartford HeathCare's Natchaug Hospital clinical day treatment schools
• Supports professionals in alternative education settings
• Uses meaningful watershed educational experiences to serve underserved student populations

Contact Information:

• NOAA Education and Outreach
• New England Science & Sailing Foundation (regional partner)
• 72 Water Street, PO Box 733
• Stonington, CT 06378
• Phone: 860.535.9362
• Email: adventure@nessf.org
• Website: nessf.org