SWEP GP awarded three Grants in 2021:

Grant Winner: Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
The Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford, New Jersey was awarded $3,000. The organization is dedicated to the preservation of New Jersey’s wildlife and habitats through education, conservation, and rehabilitation. They educate 30,000 school children per year through field trips, school assemblies and scout programs. In addition to having trails, Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge manages Pinelands habitat, and provides animal rehabilitation services. Their goal is to establish a “Girls and Wildlife” camp scholarship program that will support young girls that would otherwise not be able to attend camp. Young girls from underserved communities will have access to programs that satisfy young minds, expose them to STEM-based lessons related to wildlife and nature, and help to engage them in critical thinking, problem solving, and scientific discovery. The Scholarship program ensures that all students have equal access to high-quality educational opportunities that support and enhance their traditional education.

Grant Winner: Ursuline Academy
Ursuline Academy in Wilmington Delaware was awarded $1,000 to expand laboratory resources for environmental academic programs. Specifically, the grant will be used to purchase Finn Scientific Inquiry Lab Kits for the AP Environmental Science class that will introduce students to biological specimens in the lab while maintaining a population from which to generate specimens for study. Use of the lab kits nicely complements Ursuline’s participation in Delaware’s Adopt-a-Wetland program. Ursuline adopted Cool Spring Reservoir, which they not only help preserve but also use for educational purposes. Ursuline’s goals for the grant are to deliver an innovative and purposeful education within STEM fields and humanities.

Grant Winner: Camden City Garden Club
The Camden City Garden Club was awarded $500 in support of their Community Gardening Program and the Youth Empowering Watershed Education and Action Program, a part of the Youth Employment and Training Program. This program services adult area residents and at-risk, underserved youth. Fruits and vegetables grown at the garden benefit low-income/food insecure individuals and the Children’s Garden provides activities and educational program for children preschool age through 14. This grant will be used for youth education by pairing urban agriculture and environmental science instruction, and nutrition education with hands-on job skills training, employment, and open-ended staff support. Skills and knowledge gained through this valuable program facilitates graduation, post-secondary education and/or pursuit of employment and a practical route to autonomous adulthood.