In 2023, the LSPA awarded a “30for30” grant* to the Massachusetts (MA) Envirothon Program— a long-standing environmental education and competition initiative that empowers high school students to tackle real-world natural resource challenges.

About MA Envirothon
MA Envirothon is the Commonwealth’s leading natural resource education program for high school students, emphasizing hands-on, team-oriented, problem solving and community involvement that prepares young people for environmental careers and active citizenship. It has been a program of the MA State Commission for the Conservation of Soil, Water, and Related Resources.

MA Envirothon is a network of scientists, educators, local officials, policy-makers, business people, resource managers, community activists, and parents committed to preparing the next generation of environmentally literate concerned citizens and professionals. The program works with schools and community organizations in Massachusetts to field teams in a full year training program culminating in a competition in May.

Real-World Learning, Real-World Impact
MA Envirothon immerses students in the study of environmental science through the lens of their local ecosystems and community challenges, Teams conduct community-based research and engage in hands-on learning at training workshops and competitions. Activities include testing pond water quality, analyzing soil in outdoor soil pits, identifying local tree species, and presenting solutions to current environmental issues. In 2024/2025, workshops and competitions were held at sites like UMass Amherst and the Borderland State Park, reinforcing the connection between classroom learning and the natural world.

These experiences help increase scientific knowledge and awareness around environmental justice issues, and facilitate teamwork. Many participating students are from communities that disproportionately experience the impacts of pollution and climate-related stress and, through participating in the MA Envirothon program, they gain the skills and confidence to advocate for healthier, more sustainable futures for their neighborhoods.

Removing Barriers to Participation
In 2024/2025, LSPA grant funds helped support students from 12 schools from EJ communities to participate in Envirothon activities (transportation and registration fees—two significant barriers for under-resourced schools), including:

• Boston Latin School (with Dearborn STEM Academy, Roxbury)
• Dedham High School
• Monty Tech (Fitchburg)
• Fitchburg High School
• Brockton High School (with Wildlands Trust & Manomet Conservation Science)
• Doherty High School (Worcester)
• Oliver Ames High School (Easton)
• Springfield Central High School
• Lawrence High School
• O’Bryant School of Math and Science (Boston)
• Frontier Regional High School (Deerfield/Sunderland)

The grant also enabled new coach recruitment, raised the program’s visibility among school leaders, and demonstrated that outdoor, experiential education is not only meaningful—but essential.

See photos from the 2024/2025 programs!

The LSPA is proud to support MA Envirothon and the dedicated educators, students, and community partners who make it possible. Together, they are advancing the values of environmental justice, science education, and civic leadership.

*The LSPA launched the “30for30” grant program in 2023, in celebration of its 30th anniversary. The goal of the program was to support EJ efforts that deliver lasting educational and environmental benefits across the Commonwealth. This program was re-launched in 2025 as the EJ Grants Program. Learn more.