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Application for Water Efficiency Grant Program: Colorado Watershed Network matter what topic you are teaching." A recent poll found that over 73% of Colorado teachers trained in 2007 plan to use Project WET activities at least once a month with their students. The successful training model for Project WET hinges on a corps ofhighly-qualified, trained and certified volunteer facilitators who conduct ® ~_ Project WET workshops for teachers in their ~ ~~ communities. These workshops highlight local ~,,,,,~ water issues and connect teachers with regionally ~~~~ specific water education resources. Our volunteer ~~ ~~ facilitators are the on-the-ground face for Project F°~~~~~~ WET and enable us to have direct contact with ~„~,~,~,~,~~,~, thousands of people in the community each year with limited staff and funds. One volunteer ~ ' facilitator may train 30 teachers in a Project k~,~~,,~„~,~„~~,,~,~,~,~„~,~„~,~,~~' WET workshop; those teachers in turn reach ~~~~ close to 3,000 students each year, and ever year ""`°°"- thereafter. That number expands to include 6,000 adults in the community when children are engaged with their learning. By spending eight hours working with 30 teachers, one volunteer facilitator has reached over 9,000 people in the community on a personal basis, in just the first year alone. That number grows each year as teachers see the power of the hands-on Project WET lessons to engage students in watershed stewardship and water conservation. "Because of Project WET, in just my classes alone, hundreds of students are exposed to water education!" says a Buena Vista High School teacher. In Colorado, Project WET is building partnerships with water utilities and other interested agencies to offer sponsored Project WET workshops. These sponsored workshops give teachers an in-depth look at their local water system and highlight regional water issues. In addition to covering all expenses associated with a professional development workshop, sponsored workshops are enhanced by field trips to explore water treatment plants, reservoirs, Xeriscape gardens and other opportunities to engage students as stewards of their watershed. Educators learn from experts and guest speakers about topics ranging from water supply systems and water quality to water law and conservation programs. Teachers have commented that these are "the best workshops I've attended; I learned so much about conserving water. I now feel I have the understanding to not only answer my own questions, but also those of my friends and family. I have a newfound appreciation for water and so many new ideas to bring back to my classroom." Water education is an essential component to any water efficiency or conservation program, and Project WET is a proven leader in Colorado and throughout the nation. According to the recent Colorado Water Education Task Force survey, approximately 30% of respondents who utilize outside water education resources incorporate Project WET materials as part of their water education program. We look forward to Page 2