School Programs, Events, Competitions, and Professional Development

Mark your calendars with these grant opportunities, workshops, conferences and more!
 

September 30 – Each fall the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers (MAST) presents the MAST awards. Nominate a deserving science educator by filling out this google form by September 30, 2020. If you have any questions, contact Laura Carlin at awards@massscienceteach.org.
 

October 1 – Deadline for Toshiba America Foundation grants. The Toshiba America Foundation awards grants to educators who are passionate about making mathematics and science more engaging for their students. This deadline is for educators of grades K-5, and offers grants up to $1,000.
 

October 1-31 – Clean up your community in October with a Great Massachusetts Cleanup event. Recruit volunteers and share your event on the Keep Massachusetts Beautiful calendar.
 

October 13-16 – The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) conference will be held virtually and all content will also be available on demand. This conference connects environmental educators from across the globe for the field’s largest annual professional gathering.
 

October 19-30 – Engage students in the “Survivor Island STEM Week Challenge” with the Wade Institute for Science Education, National Marine Life Center, and Lloyd Center for the Environment during the 2020 MA STEM Week sponsored by the MA STEM Advisory Council and Executive Office of Education. This week students will learn about environmental and scientific strategies needed to thrive on a stranded island.
 

October 19-30 – Students in grades 6-8 can participate in the Climate Superstars Challenge, an annual 10-day online environmental education event presented by Samsung, ENERGY STAR®, and the National Environmental Education Foundation. Students will complete short tasks that focus on environmental literacy and energy efficiency.
 

November 1 – November 14 – Celebrate the earth during the 5th annual Berkshire Earth Expo, hosted virtually by Living the Change Berkshires and the Berkshire Museum. Learn about several climate related topics, network with fellow environmentalists, and participate in the Cooler Communities Challenge.
 

November 2 – Deadline for The International Compost Awareness Week’s 2021 Poster Contest. Students must be 14 or older to enter the contest and each submission should promote International Compost Awareness Week. Winners can win $500. This year there is also a video contest open to students in grades 4-8. Learn more and enter to win.
 

November 15 – Keep America Beautiful’s America Recycles Day. Take action in your community by getting involved with a local event on this nationally-recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. Find a local event or register your own!
 

November 18 – School Recycling webinar presented by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and THE GREEN TEAM. Learn how to plan and implement school recycling programs that meet the minimum eligibility requirements of MassDEP’s Sustainable Material Recovery Grants. In 2021, municipal grant applicants will need to certify that paper, cardboard, and bottle & can recycling is available in all municipal buildings, including schools. Learn how to help get recycling into your school district by registering for the webinar here.