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Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) is thrilled to request applications for the 2024 - 2025 Educator Mini-Grant Program. Through this program, MNSG and the Center for Great Lakes Literacy seek to fund approximately eight projects at a maximum of $600 that:

1. Advance the Center for Great Lakes Literacy’s commitment to support experience-based learning opportunities for youth to promote Great Lakes stewardship, and 
2. Align with the MNSG 2024 - 2027 Strategic Plan (see pages 6 - 7 for the Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development focus area goals, actions, and outcomes).

Here’s what you really need to know:

• More information can be found in the Request for Applications.
• To apply, please complete this application form. The priority application deadline is Monday, December 16, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. CT. If funds remain after this date, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
• For questions, please contact Heidi Ferris, Minnesota Sea Grant Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development Extension Educator (minnesota@cgll.education or hferris@umn.edu).

Who is eligible for funding?

Any and all educators working with K - 12 youth in Minnesota, whether inside or outside a traditional classroom setting, including but not limited to:

• Aquariums
• Charter schools
• Environmental learning centers
• Libraries
• Nature centers
• Private schools
• Public schools

Applicants who have never worked with Minnesota Sea Grant before are encouraged to apply!

Priority consideration will be given to:

• Applicants that have previously participated in Center for Great Lakes Literacy programming.
• Projects that benefit K - 12 students/educators in underserved communities.

How can the funds be used?

1. Purchase of supplies and/or services required to provide place-based stewardship, monitoring, service learning, or career exploration/workforce development experiences for students.
2. Travel, registration, and honoraria expenses to support relevant professional development and/or peer mentoring of fellow educators.

What is the timeline?

Projects must take place between January 1, 2025 and August 29, 2025.

• Monday, December 16, 2024, 11:59 p.m. CT: Priority Application Deadline
• Applications received on or before this deadline will be considered for funding. If any funds remain after the priority deadline has passed, then the applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. For those applications received on or before the priority deadline:
• Friday, December 20, 2024: Notification of Award
• January 2025, date and time to be determined: Awardee Meet-and-Greet
• Friday, March 14, 2025, 5:00 p.m. CT: Interim Report Due
• Friday, September 19, 2025, 5:00 p.m. CT: Final Report Due