Science Education Outreach Program (SEOP)
SEOP Grant Applications will be accepted for the 2026-2027 school year beginning March 18, 2026, with a submission deadline of April 30, 2026.
For 2026 we are excited to work in collaboration with the Elk-Skegemog Lake Association (ESLA) offering the SEOP grants to the Elk Rapids Schools!
Click here for information and the application.
The goal of the Science Education Outreach Program is to help cultivate a sense of stewardship of the lakes, streams, and land in young people who will be part of the next generation living within the watersheds of Torch, Bellaire, and Clam Lakes. We work with science teachers and students in the school districts of Central Lake, Bellaire, Kalkaska, Mancelona and Elk Rapids.
Teachers are invited annually to submit a grant application for science materials or experiences that enhance science instruction, but are not within the school district’s budget. This invitation extends to the five school districts within the watersheds of Torch Lake, Clam Lake, and Lake Bellaire. TLA awards as many grants each year as its budget will allow.
Three Lakes Association has provided grants for the following to the five school districts:
- Varied field trips, including Grass River Natural Area, Inland Seas Education Association, Sleeping Bear Dunes and more
- Framed maps of the Elk River Chain of Lakes for school libraries
- Science equipment, such as microscopes, placed in classrooms
- Participating teachers received most or all of their Wish-List requests
- Serving thousands of students – classroom and field trip experiences that enhance the science curriculum
- Total funding from TLA since 2011: more than $76,000.
Internship Program Overview
The summer internship program is offered to high school students of Bellaire, Central Lake, Elk Rapids, Kalkaska, and Mancelona.
Under the guidance of experienced scientific mentors the program offers hands-on experience in applying scientific methods. Students develop hypotheses, design studies, create protocols, and conduct field research to gather data. They then learn how to analyze and visualize this data through graphs and tables, ultimately compiling it into a presentation or report. Students also gain valuable experience presenting their findings to the TLA board and school boards.
Adult Education
The more you know, the more you care!
April 2026 will be the Boater Safety/Stewardship webinar in collaboration with the Antrim County Sheriff, Marine Patrol, DNR, plus!
Watch for information coming soon!
Sharing the important information of what is happening around us is vital. We publish, mail and email our Quarterly Newsletter to keep people in the know.
We regularly share important updates through online events, in person events and with guest speakers at our Annual Meeting.
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