Grants available for Trout in the Classroom program

PENNSYLVANIA — Grants to implement the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program are currently available through the PA Council of Trout Unlimited for the 2008 to 2009 school year.

The Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program was designed for teachers who want to incorporate more hands-on environmental education into their curriculum and need outside help. Teachers set up an aquarium and incubate trout eggs or raise trout fry in their classroom. The final result is an aquarium of trout fry that is released into a state-approved body of water during a class field trip.

Trout in the Classroom Start-up Grants will provide a teacher with all of the equipment and training to get a TIC program started. It requires that a partnering organization (such as a Trout Unlimited Chapter, watershed association, or Conservation District) serve as the grant applicant and work hand-in-hand with the teacher and students to implement the program. A cash match of $500 is required.

Schools and organizations that already have a TIC program are eligible for grants to purchase maintenance equipment and/or for curricular support materials and field trips. This grant can be used to purchase replacement items such as filters, tubing and chemicals or for the costs associated with taking field trips to teach the TIC program “in the field.” No cash match is required. Only schools that already have a TIC program may apply for these grants.

The application deadline is Friday, May 23. For more information visit troutintheclassroom.org.