EcoChamps grant opportunities for classroom projects
Tish Morris
THE ECOCHAMPS PROGRAM IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR STUDENT PROJECTS. THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE SPRING TERM IS JANUARY 15, 2026 AND FOR THE FALL TERM IS JULY 1, 2026
2025: WE WILL BE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR STUDENT PROJECTS. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE SPRING TERM IS DECEMBER 15, 2025 AND FOR THE FALL TERM IS JULY 1, 2026
We support projects that fall within the EcoChamps' mission: We reward youth who enrich our environment, thus bettering the health of New Mexico's communities.
Areas of interest to the EcoChamps program may involve:
- direct pro-environmental activities (such as habitat preservation, wildlife protection, and resource conservation);
- environmental preservation promotion through advocacy and the visual and performing arts; and
- other significant contributions to our community’s ecological balance that foster good health.
Our vision: To build New Mexico communities that prioritize positive environmental action.
Through rewarding people for their pro-environment activities, we will encourage the widespread adoption of innovative projects.
What we fund: We are interested in student projects that engage youth in becoming custodians of the environment. Funded projects should enhance the environment and protect the natural world through direct action. This includes science and technology projects, art and cultural initiatives, public awareness projects, or legislative initiatives.
- Eligibility: student classes must be part of a NM school system or be offered by a not-for-profit NM-based organization.
- We will grant up to a total amount of $4000 per term, with individual project grants ranging from $500 to $3,000.
- For the spring term proposals must be postmarked on or before December 15, 2026. Proposals received outside of the submission period will not be considered.
- For the fall term proposals must be postmarked on or before July 1, 2026.
- Winners will be announced on our website.
- All entries must be type written and mailed to:
EcoChamps Contest
6509 Caballero Pkwy NW
Los Ranchos NM 87107
Proposal Format
The proposal should be in 5 sections, double spaced, length not to exceed two to three pages.
- Section 1: Sponsoring organization & address, leader's name, age group of students, & number of students anticipated to participate.
- Section 2: Purpose (goals) of your proposal project (one or two paragraphs). How will your project promote student innovation and participation.
- Section 3: Steps you will take to reach your goals (two to three paragraphs). What measures will be used to ensure that your project connects students to the natural world or enhances their environment.
- Section 4: Criteria for measuring your success: how will you know you made a difference? (one paragraph). Examples are before and after photographs, surveys, attendance at functions, etc.
- Section 5: How much money you will need to finish the project (itemize each expense with the approximate cost) (note: we will not pay for personal time).
Be sure to include the submitter's (or teacher's) name, address, telephone number, and email address on each page.
PAST ECOCHAMPS WINNERS
SOLAR-POWERED BIRD BATHS
Congratulations to Becky Pierce's Grades 4 and 5 classes at the Cottonwood School in Corrales New Mexico.
Their innovative project will create two bird baths that will reside on school grounds to attract thirsty migrating and resident birds. This project will introduce students to solar technology while helping birds whose habitats are eroding.
EXPANDING FOOD PRODUCTION with HYDROPONIC FARMS
Stephen McGuinness and his classrooms at Manzano High School in Albuquerque New Mexico have constructed a highly efficient growing system that uses less water and energy and minimizes land use. This vertical garden produces green leafy vegetables and teaches students about sustainable farming.
RESTORING A RIPARIAN AREA AROUND THE SANTA FE RIVER
Nathan Moore's 7th and 8th grade classrooms at the Santa Fe School for the Arts and Sciences will participate in this project, to remove litter and environmentally destructive invasive species, and replants the area around the river with native species. Students are educated regarding water quality and ecology through this hands-on learning project.
A MOBILE OUTDOOR CLASSROOM INTRODUCES STUDENTS TO THE NATURAL WORLD
Students in Mona Grigsby-Suarez's Grade 2-5 classrooms at Whittier Elementary School in Albuquerque New Mexico will be able to see the world as never before with their new backpacks, field guides, insect viewers, scales, and other scientific equipment. Each week they will check out equipped backpacks and go exploring for a whole hour, planning details of their adventures before each session. A great way to experience and benefit from being outdoors.
HEATING IT UP WITH SOLAR OVENS
Robert Brettelle's Metals and Welding class is a great place to experiment with creating solar applications, and his class at Rio Grande High School in Albuquerque will get to build a prototype solar oven. Solar ovens can reach temperatures of 400 degrees and reduce energy demanded to fuel stoves and cool the kitchen. The grant will fund development of a test model and the finished product, which students will evaluate.
PROMOTING RECYCLING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS AND AT HOME
There is a lot of litter around Alamogordo's High School and the 11th grade class of Kaitlyn McCoy want to do something about it. They proposed installing five recycling bins around the campus and hosting clean-up events, with a goal of reducing the amount of trash generated and educating students about the importance of conservation.