Environmental Education and Training Program (66.950)
Program
66.950 Environmental Education and Training Program
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONAGENCY
Authorization
National Environmental Education Act, Public Law 101-619, Section5.
Program Number
66.950
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To train educational professionals in the development and delivery of environmental education programs. Funding Priority: As required by Public Law 101-619, funds are provided to a consortia of universities and organizations to deliver environmental education training and support for education professionals. EPA awards only one cooperative agreement to a consortia to operate the program on a multi-year basis. As stated in 1999, the last year a solicitation notice was issued for this program, the training program must help education professionals: (1) Build the capacity of their state to develop effective environmental education leaders and organizations; (2) Link environmental education to education reform goals for improving student academic achievement; (3) Reach under-served audiences that include low-income and culturally-diverse students; (4) Ensure quality environmental education that is scientifically-sound and educationally-appropriate; (5) Use the latest computer and Internet technologies to increase access to environmental education information and resource materials. The current program, to be completed by September 30, 2005, delivers training and support to education professionals and has the following priorities: (1) To build the understanding and skills needed to create comprehensive and sustainable environmental education programs at the state level; (2) To enable educators and decision makers to effectively use environmental education as a tool for improving teaching and learning and achieving a healthy ans sustainable environment; and (3) To promote quality environmental education that is scientifically accurate, pedagogically sound, and responsive to community needs by improving educator access toenvironmental education programs, materials, and information.
Types of Assistance
Cooperative Agreements.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds shall be used to establish an education and training program which shall include, at a minimum: (1) classroom training in environmental education and studies including environmental sciences and theory, educational methods, and practices, environmental career or occupational education, and topical environmental issues and problems; (2) demonstrations of the design and conduct of environmental fields studies and assessments; (3) development of environmental education programs and curricula, including programs and curricula to meet the needs of diverse ethnic and cultural groups; (4) sponsorship and management of international exchanges of teachers and other educational professionals between the United States, Canada, and Mexico involved in environmental programs and issues; (5) maintenance or support of a library of environmental education materials, information, literature, and technologies, with electronic as well as hard copy accessibility; (6) evaluation and dissemination of environmental education materials, training methods, and related programs; (7) sponsorship of conferences, seminars, and related forums for the advancement and development of environmental education and training curricula and materials, including international conferences, seminars, and forums; (8) supporting effective partnerships and networks and the use of distant learning technologies; and (9) such other activities as the Administrator determines to be consistent with the policies of the Act. No funds made available for this program shall be used for the acquisition of real property (including buildings) or the construction or substantial modification of anybuilding.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Institutions of higher education or other institutions which are nonprofit (or consortia of such institutions).
Beneficiary Eligibility
Education (0-8), education (9-12), education (13+), nonprofit institutions.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.12372.
Application Procedure
Not determined yet. Current program runs through September 30, 2005, subject to availability of funds. Application procedures for the next program starting October 1, 2005, have not been determined yet. Procedures will be published in the Federal Register.
Award Procedure
This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.
Deadlines
Not determined yet; to be published in the Federal Register.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
EPA has established procedures for a careful and detailed review and evaluation of the environmental education and training program to determine whether the quality of the program being operated by the grantee warrants continued support.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
The grantee must provide 25 percent matching funds for the project. The project has no statutory formula.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The training program cooperative agreement is for a 3-5-year budget/project period beginning October 1, 2005, subject to availability of funds.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
The grantee must submit bi-annual and final progress reports.
Audits
Projects are subject to inspection and audit by representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States and EPA or any authorized representative. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non- Profit Organizations," was published in the Federal Register on June 30, 1997. The Circular implements the Single Audit Act amendments of 1996. The Circular requires nonfederal entities that expend more than $300,000 in Federal award dollars, to have an audit conducted in accordance with the Circular's provisions. With the revised Circular, the previous OMB Circular No. A-128 for single audits of State and local governments was rescinded and the single audit requirements for these entities were incorporated among the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133.
Records
Financial records, including all documents to support entries on accounting records and to substantiate changes to each assistance agreement must be kept available to personnel authorized to examine EPA assistance accounts. All records must be maintained until the expiration of 3 years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report. If questions still remain, such as those raised as the result of an audit, related records should be retained until the matter is completelyresolved.
Program Accomplishments
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is expected to continue operating this program through September 30,2005.
Financial Information
Account Identification
68-0108-0-1-304.
Obligations
FY 02 $1,815,000; FY 03 est $1,815,000; and FY 04 est $1,815,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not applicable.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
40 CFR Parts 30, 31, 32, 33, 45, 47; program guidance; Federal Register (Invitation for Pre- proposal, July 2, 1991); Public Law 101-619.
Related Programs
66.951, Environmental Education Grants.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Contact the appropriate EPA Regional Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Kathleen MacKinnon, Environmental Education Specialist, Office of Environmental Education, (1704A), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460. Telephone: (202) 564-0454. Email address: mackinnon.kathleen@epa.gov.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Priorities for selecting proposals are listed in Section 5 of Public Law 101-619, National Environmental EducationAct.
