By: Jade Wise
Pasadena ISD Communications
Pasadena Memorial High School recently received a $22,600 grant from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). The grant project looks to advance scientific and environmental literacy in coastal regions by the Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.
With the funding from the grant, PMHS will look to empower approximately 150 students to become future leaders on climate and air pollution issues by incorporating EDF curriculum into the courses: Environmental Systems and AP Environmental Science.
Students in the program will learn about air pollution, climate change and its health effects through learning labs, activities, field trips and guest lectures from experts and specialists in the field. At the conclusion of the school year, students will host a community meeting to share what they have learned and will create an informational video to be entered into a video contest.
In a recent press release announcing the grant awardees, EDF stated that, “The Houston area suffers from chronic air quality issues and associated health impacts…The Houston area communities most at-risk from air pollution and climate change impacts are predominantly low-income, underserved communities along the Houston Ship Channel. This project aims to prepare 9-12th grade youth in these communities to become future leaders on climate and air pollution issues and more knowledgeable about how to help improve the health and prosperity of their communities.”