Westchester County is now accepting applications for Potable Projects for Tomorrow, a school micro-grant program that helps students learn about the environment in a hands-on way. Building on a successful first year, the program provides schools with the resources to bring conservation, soil, and water lessons directly into the classroom and beyond.
Launched in 2025, the program supports projects that help students better understand how the environment impacts their daily lives and how they can be part of the solution. Through small grants, schools can create projects that go beyond textbooks and give students real-world experience with topics such as water quality, soil health, and protecting natural resources. In its first year, students built gardens, tested local water sources and studied trees on their school grounds.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Programs like this provide students the opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world environmental challenges and help students better understand the importance of protecting our soil, water and natural resources.”
Commissioner of Planning Blanca P. Lopez said: “Our students need healthy soils, clean water and access to funding that supports research and education. Education is central to the District’s mission and the Potable Projects for Tomorrow grant will enhance our school’s environmental education programs.”
Chair of the Soil and Water Conservation District Suzanne Nolan said: “Providing students and teachers with the ability to pursue hands-on environmental research projects as an extension of classroom learning is a worthy investment in the students, as well as in the health of soil and water in Westchester and beyond.”
The Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District was established in 1967 and continues to partner closely with Westchester County to promote conservation practices that protect land, water and natural resources. The Department of Planning staffs the District and works with its County Executive-appointed Board of Directors to carry out an annual work plan.
Westchester County is excited to continue the momentum that engages Westchester’s schools, and remains available to provide not only funding, but its knowledge and resources with students. Applications can be obtained by emailing SWCD@WestchesterCountyNY.gov.