Morris County Schools Receive Grants to Boost Climate Change Education

Mount Olive Township and Unity Charter School Among Recipients of NJ Department of Education Awards

The New Jersey Department of Education has awarded grants to schools across the state to enhance climate change education. In Morris County, Mount Olive Township and Unity Charter School have been selected to receive funding through these initiatives, part of a broader effort to incorporate climate change instruction into classrooms effectively.

Grants and Programs Overview

Interdisciplinary Learning and Community Projects

• Mount Olive Township: Awarded $31,719
• Unity Charter School: Awarded $22,960

These grants aim to fund projects that will integrate climate change education into the community through hands-on projects. Schools will collaborate with local organizations to develop projects like rain gardens, aquaponics systems, and native plant restorations. These initiatives are designed to provide practical, community-focused learning experiences that address local climate challenges and solutions.

Climate Change Learning Collaboratives 

Four New Jersey colleges and universities have been selected to establish Climate Change Learning Collaboratives (CCLCs). These institutions will provide training and resources to local educators, enhancing their ability to teach climate change concepts. Although no Morris County institutions were directly funded, local educators will benefit from the expertise and resources generated by these regional centers.

• Northern Region: Ramapo College of New Jersey - $650,000
• Central Region: Rutgers University-New Brunswick - $324,699, Monmouth University - $311,276
• Southern Region: Stockton University - $650,000

Background and Objectives

These grant programs are funded through Governor Phil Murphy’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget and are part of First Lady Tammy Murphy’s initiative to embed climate change education across multiple content areas. New Jersey is the first state to integrate climate change teaching into its student learning standards comprehensively.

The Interdisciplinary Learning and Community Projects grant runs through May 31, 2025, while the Climate Change Learning Collaborative grants will continue until March 31, 2025. These programs aim to prepare educators and students to address climate change challenges and foster resilient communities through education and practical projects.

For more information, visit the New Jersey Department of Education.