SCDES Awards Nearly $30,000 to 15 South Carolina Schools for Environmental Education Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Nov 4., 2026  

The annual grant program recognizes K-12 schools for projects that promote environmental stewardship through hands-on learning. This year's winning projects focus on pollinator gardens, habitat restoration, resource conservation and environmental monitoring. 

“These projects give students the opportunity to take what they learn in the classroom and make a meaningful difference in their communities,” said Myra Reece, SCDES Director. “By encouraging hands-on environmental education, we're helping inspire the next generation of South Carolinians to protect and preserve our state's natural resources.” 

The 2026-27 Champions of the Environment grant recipients are: 

• Beech Hill Elementary School, Dorchester County 

• Brockman Elementary School, Richland County 

• Cambridge Academy, Greenwood County 

• Chabad Jewish Academy, Horry County 

• Cross Schools, Beaufort County 

• Daufuskie Island Independent School, Beaufort County 

• East Edisto Middle School, Dorchester County 

• Gadsden Elementary School, Richland County 

• Hammond School, Richland County 

• Oaktown Academy, Dorchester County 

• Red Cedar Elementary School, Beaufort County 

• River Bluff High School, Lexington County 

• Rosewood Elementary School, Richland County 

• Wilson Hall, Sumter County 

• Wilson High School, Florence County 

Established in 1993, Champions of the Environment encourages students to develop and implement projects that protect South Carolina's air, land and water. Winning schools are selected based on student involvement, effective use of grant funding, community outreach and partnerships. 

“Working with community partners gives students real-world learning, career awareness and community connection while promoting environmental stewardship,” said Amy Ley, SCDES Champions of the Environment program coordinator. 

The program is sponsored by SCDES, Dominion Energy and Sylvamo, with assistance from the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina. 

For more information about the winning projects and future grant opportunities, visit des.sc.gov/champions.

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