Mandarin-area K-12 teachers have until Tuesday, Sept. 15, to apply for grants of up to $3,000 to bring hands-on water science into their classrooms.

Grants Fund Hands-On Water Science Projects

The St. Johns River Water Management District opened its 2026-27 Blue School Grant cycle on Aug. 1, with applications closing at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 15, according to a district press release. The district is distributing up to $60,000 total this cycle to K-12 public and charter schools within its boundaries, which include Duval County and the Mandarin area.

Individual awards fund water-focused STEAM projects such as water quality testing, aquaponics systems, conservation gardens and watershed studies. One past grant recipient used the funding to convert half of a classroom aquaponic garden from freshwater to saltwater, with students planting mangroves as part of the project.

Applications are open now.

"The best science lessons happen when students can ask questions, explore and make discoveries for themselves," Ali Pressel, education and outreach coordinator for the district, said in the July 31 announcement. "This funding helps make those experiences possible."

How to Apply and Program History

Since 2016, the program has funded 141 projects at more than 135 schools, reaching more than 22,000 students across the district's 18-county service area in northeast and east-central Florida.

Eligible schools must be public or charter schools within district boundaries. Full application requirements and instructions are available at sjrwmd.com/education/blue-school.

Mandarin's River Connection Extends to Community Events

The grant opportunity arrives as Mandarin's connection to the St. Johns River takes center stage in community programming. The Mandarin Museum & Historical Society will host its annual fundraising dinner, "Always the River," on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bowing Oaks, 7743 Alphons St. This year's Always the River Award honoree is Lisa "the Boatanista" Almeida, co-owner of Freedom Boat Club of Northeast Florida.

Upcoming Mandarin Events

  • Thursday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m.: Third Thursday Lecture at the Mandarin Museum — "Jacksonville's Gullah Geechee Heritage" with authors Ennis Davis and Adrienne Burke, in the 1898 Schoolhouse at Walter Jones Historical Park. Refreshments at 6 p.m.
  • First Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Historic buildings open at Walter Jones Historical Park.
  • Thursday, Sept. 17, 6 to 9 p.m.: Mandarin Museum's "Always the River" annual fundraising dinner at Bowing Oaks, 7743 Alphons St.