Funding Available to Become a Hawaiʻi Blue School

Are you interested in joining like-minded educators to protect your local ahupuaʻa and marine ecosystem and inspire the next generation of stewards? Apply now!

This Hawaiʻi Blue Schools call is open to any K-12 institutions in Hawaiʻi.

What is the Hawaiʻi Blue Schools Hui?

The Hawaiʻi Blue Schools Hui is part of the USA Blue Schools network—a nationwide project coordinated by Connecticut Sea Grant and Mercy University through funding from the Prada Group. Modeled on the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Association’s (NOAA) Ocean Guardian Schools and the international Blue Schools network, the USA Blue Schools network compels schools to make a commitment to the protection and conservation of local watersheds and our one global ocean. A school makes this commitment by proposing and implementing a school or community-based project and creating a plan to increase ocean literacy in their school community by engaging students, families, and community members.

Objectives:

  1. Build ocean literacy through place-based action projects that celebrate Hawai‘iʻs unique marine biodiversity and rich cultural legacy.

  2. Prepare the next generation for ocean stewardship and leadership.

  3. Inspire, support, and cultivate a committed network of teachers, students, and community educators.

  4. Leverage the Blue Schools network to advance understanding, protection, and conservation of ocean ecosystems locally, nationally, and internationally.

Benefits:

  • $1,000 stipend per lead teacher, per year over two school years

  • $7,500/school in mini-grants to implement schoolwide and community projects over two school years

  • Support from a network of like-minded educators 

  • Connections with scientists, community organizations, and stewardship sites 

  • Registration & travel to the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) 2027 conference in Summer 2027 in Honolulu

To Apply:

Dates to Remember: 

  • March 31, 2025: Applications due 

  • May 12, 2025: Kick-off / Orientation meeting via Zoom @ 4:30 PM HST

  • August 2025 - June 2027: Schools implement projects

Questions? Email Dr. Anuschka Faucci (anuschka@hawaii.edu).

You can also join our virtual Q&A at 4:30 pm on Monday March 24 (zoom link). Note: not mandatory to submit an application.

Extra Info from our virtual Q&A on March 10: slides, recording