Lackawanna Heritage Valley's Educational Mini-Grant Program provides educators with a unique funding opportunity to produce classroom or community projects. Projects should be designed to promote students' understanding and appreciation of the Lackawanna Valley's rich heritage and how it contributed to the nation's development, or expand their understanding of what it means to be a steward of the environment, particularly in the Lackawanna River watershed.
Kindergarten through twelfth grade educators in Lackawanna County schools are invited to apply to the Educational Mini-Grant Program. Lackawanna Heritage Valley will award grants (up to $1,000) to educators in Lackawanna County to produce heritage, art and/or environmental projects. Grantees will be notified of their award in November.
Projects must take place between December 1, 2022 and June 1, 2023
Deadline to apply: October 28, 2022 at noon
Cost: No Application Fee
Educational Grant Seeking Guidelines
Grant Management Guidelines
Download an application
Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area has funded a wide variety of projects and programs through its Educational Mini-Grants Program. From cultural and heritage programs to art and environmental projects, local educators have made a difference in their classrooms and in their communities with Mini-Grant funds. Past grantees include:
2016
Lackawanna County Office of Sustainability: Plant Pride, Not Litter
This program was designed to increase awareness of the impact of litter on the environment, particularly on the Lackawanna River.
Marywood University School of Architecture: Architecture in Schools
Through hands-on workshops and guidance from architects and students from the Marywood University School of Architecture, students explored the creative profession of architecture.
2015
Fell Charter School: Wondrous Worms: Farming Our Way to Sustainability - Students utilized a worm farm to develop a recycling and composting program design to reduce waste and preserve the environment.
The Greenhouse Project: The Greenhouse Project for Students Age 10-18
This educational program focused on nature in an urban environment. Students learned about native plants - and the creatures that interact with them - along with edible, poisonous, and invasive species.
Neil Armstrong Elementary: Steamtown U.S.A.
Based on railroad songs and literature, students produced and performed a heritage-based play for the community. Among the highlights of the show was their resurrection of the song Steamtown U.S.A. The project culminated with a field trip to Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton.
NEIU# 19: Multicultural Dixieland Music Performance
An interactive, educational musical performance by Doug Smith & the Dixieland All-Star Band at the NEIU Achievement Academy showcased the history of the Lackawanna Valley.
Valley Community Library: Environmental Education Along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
Consulting with local experts, students in grades 2 to 8 developed interpretive signage along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, noting flora and fauna, and sustainable resources in the region.
2014
Abington Heights High School: We're Not Done Yet! An Informational and Photographic Survey of Local Pollution Problems
Students created a documentary on the remediation of several polluted sites in the area, and they developed an interactive photography exhibit showcasing their findings. The display was featured at Abington Heights High School and a community venue.
Lackawanna Valley Trout Unlimited: Lack T.U. Teens Youth Environmental School
At this summer camp, students learned about local history and the traditions of fly fishing in northeastern Pennsylvania, and they explored ichthyology (the study of fish), entomology (the study of insects), water chemistry and aquatic biology.
Scranton High School: Winds of Energy Change for a New Generation
Students researched, purchased and installed a wind turbine, and developed curriculum focusing on this source of renewable energy.