SoundWaters Receives $361K Grant For Climate Science Education

STAMFORD, CT — SoundWaters, the region's leader in climate science education, has received a $361,000 grant to further its climate preparedness program, climate science education and teach the leaders of tomorrow.

The Congressionally directed grant will allow K-12 students in the Stamford, Norwalk and Bridgeport school districts to have hands-on, outdoor engagement with the Long Island Sound, including learning aboard the Schooner SoundWaters and participating in extensive lab facilities at two of SoundWaters' Stamford waterfront locations.

Sessions for elementary school learners focus on observation of the natural world, through topics such as habitats and adaptation.

Middle school students build on this foundation through programming centered on stewardship activities and the concept of resilience.

High school students in the Research Intensive program work on long-term research projects to develop the field and lab skills of a climate scientist.

The grant will also help SoundWaters to work with the school districts and the cost of bus transportation for programming.

SoundWaters provides educational programs for students in grades K-12 throughout the year, reaching about 4,000 people.

According to SoundWaters President Leigh Shemitz, the money is expected to be available beginning next school year. It will last for a couple years.

"This money is for education. At SoundWaters, we're committed to equity, access to Long Island Sound, for learning, for growth, for exploration, for all students," Shemitz told Patch. "These funds make it possible for students from these communities in Stamford, from Norwalk to Bridgeport, which have fewer resources, to access such opportunities in learning."

Shemitz said having access to the Sound and learning about climate preparedness at a young age is vital.

"The idea is to pay it forward; that these are the students in the classrooms now who will be making decisions about the future of the state and we want them to be as informed and as knowledgeable and frankly as engaged in the natural world as possible," Shemitz said.

The programming will also lessen "climate anxiety" for students, Shemitz noted.

"This is about education, this is about learning, and it's also about joy. These students will have joyful experiences," Shemitz explained. "A day at SoundWaters, an hour at SoundWaters, a summer at SoundWaters is an experience we hope, and we believe and we have seen students remember for the rest of their lives."

Shemitz thanked U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and Congressman Jim Himes for helping to secure the funds.

"For each of them, it just builds on their years of focus and leadership on environmental and especially coastal issues here in Connecticut, especially in Fairfield County and along our coast," Shemitz said. "It's their individual and shared leadership for coastal Connecticut resiliency that make this work possible."

Murphy said he was proud to secure the money to support community-based initiatives.

"I hope students in Connecticut will use the knowledge they gain from these programs to help protect our coastline and ensure our state is a great place to live for years to come," Murphy said in a news release.

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons said the Long Island Sound is one of the city's greatest resources.

"I want to thank Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy, and Congressman Himes for their continued support of environmental education," she said in a news release.

For more information on SoundWaters and how to get involved, check out their website.