The Caring for our Watersheds (CFW) program empowers students to imagine, develop, and create solutions in their local watersheds. CFW is both an environmental proposal contest and a project funding opportunity for high school students. The program promotes watershed awareness and stewardship, values student ideas, and offers support when turning theoretical ideas into action.
How it works:
CFW asks students to submit a proposal that answers the question:
"What can you do to improve your watershed?"
The Contest:
- Students can work independently, or as a team of no more than four to research their local watershed, identify an environmental concern, and come up with a realistic solution. Students are encouraged to discuss ideas with parents, teachers, friends, and local experts.
- Proposals should be approximately 1,000 words and include visuals and a budget.
- Entries are scored by a panel of judges on the following areas: realistic idea, environmental impact, clear communication, innovation, scope, budget, and visuals.
- Ten finalists/ teams will make 5-minute verbal presentations at a final competition.
- All finalists win cash rewards (up to $1000) for themselves and matching rewards for their schools. Schools also receive $100 for every ten complete proposals submitted, even if they do not send students to finals.
Project Implementation (voluntary):
- In addition to cash rewards, there is also $10,000 (up to $1000 per project) available for students to implement their projects.
- ALL participants (finalists and other) are eligible for these "mini-grant" implementation funds.
Teacher/Advisor Workshop: October 18, 2013 This informational workshop will be held at the Center for Land-Based Learning headquarters in Winters, CA and will cover program logistics, watershed issues/resources, and service learning ideas. Substitute reimbursement is available. RSVP by Oct. 11 to [email protected]
NOTE: CFW California is currently open to all 9th-12th grade students who live in the Sacramento-San Joaquin watershed in Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, Colusa, Yuba, Sutter, Glenn, El Dorado, Placer, and San Joaquin counties. Visit http://caringforourwatersheds.com and click on "California contest" for more details and resources. Interested? Please contact Beth Del Real [email protected] or (530) 795-1544. |