SAN GABRIEL VALLEY — A classroom experiment testing water quality or an art project exploring conservation could receive up to $1,000 through the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District.
The local water district is accepting applications from K-12 educators for its 2026-27 Water Education Grant Program, which supports hands-on projects focused on water and the environment.
Educators at licensed schools within the district’s service area may apply. The district serves El Monte, South El Monte, Rosemead, Baldwin Park and Irwindale, along with 13 other cities and portions of unincorporated Los Angeles County.
Teachers may apply individually or together. School administrators may also submit applications on behalf of teachers.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while funding remains available.
Local Water District Encourages Hands-On Learning
The grants give teachers flexibility to develop projects suited to their students and subjects.
Projects can explore water quality, conservation, pollution, water properties or the effects of changing weather conditions on water supplies. Students could conduct experiments, build models, make videos, complete writing assignments or create artwork.
The program is not limited to science classrooms. Upper Water encourages educators to incorporate water education into mathematics, social studies, biology, art and other subjects.
That flexibility can make water issues relevant at different grade levels. Younger students might explore where household water comes from or how conservation choices affect water use. Older students could investigate groundwater, drought, pollution or water treatment.
Applications will be evaluated on how well a project improves students’ understanding of water. Reviewers will also consider student involvement and whether the proposal establishes clear educational objectives.
Grants Cover Up To $1,000
Each grant can provide up to $1,000 for materials and other direct project costs identified in the application budget.
The money cannot be used for salaries, teaching stipends, computers, tablets or similar electronic devices.
The number of grants awarded will depend on available funding, application quality and the amounts requested. Educators may receive only one grant per project during the school year. Previous recipients cannot seek another award for the same project in a later year.
Recipients must document their spending and submit a short project summary, photographs and purchase receipts. Any unused grant money must be returned to the district.
The Local Water District also offers other educational programs, including a student art contest, educational tours and teaching resources. Its school outreach includes a water program presented by the National Theatre for Children.
Applications must be emailed to [email protected] with “WEGP” in the subject line. Printed and faxed applications will not be accepted.
Educators can find application materials and complete program guidelines through the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District website.
Questions may be directed to 626-443-2297. For local teachers, the grants provide an opportunity to move water education beyond textbooks and give students direct experience with an issue that affects every San Gabriel Valley community.
