Seven schools in Beaufort, Dorchester and Horry counties have received environmental education grants through the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services’ Champions of the Environment program, the agency announced Nov. 4. The 15 schools awarded grants statewide received a combined $29,350.
The coastal recipients are Cross Schools, Daufuskie Island Independent School and Red Cedar Elementary School in Beaufort County; Beech Hill Elementary School, East Edisto Middle School and Oaktown Academy in Dorchester County; and Chabad Jewish Academy in Horry County.
SCDES said the grants support student-led projects, with this year’s recipients working on topics including pollinator gardens, habitat restoration, resource conservation and environmental monitoring. The announcement did not specify the amount awarded to each school.
The annual K-12 program began in 1993. SCDES said schools are selected based on student involvement, use of grant funding, community outreach and partnerships. The agency sponsors the program with Dominion Energy and Sylvamo, with assistance from the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina.
