The Accokeek Foundation has been awarded $425,000 in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending to expand hands-on environmental education and workforce-readiness programming for students in Southern Maryland.
The funding, secured by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, was included in the federal Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, part of a five-bill government funding package signed into law earlier this year. It’s one of 46 Maryland projects that together received more than $24 million through the same bill.
The money supports the Piscataway Environmental Education Program, run by the Accokeek Foundation and based at Piscataway Park, which provides place-based learning experiences for students in Prince George’s and Charles County Public Schools. According to the senators’ office, the funding will help develop and implement a curriculum that integrates Piscataway Indigenous knowledge alongside teacher training, classroom support, and field trips focused on public land management and environmental science. Organizers say the project addresses a gap in environmental-education access for low-to-moderate income students and underserved communities in the region, and is expected to reach approximately 15,000 students.
“Outdoor, hands-on learning experiences give our students the opportunity to see up close the real-life importance of what they’re learning in school,” said Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Alsobrooks said she was proud to have secured funding “to expand the capabilities of the Piscataway Environmental Education Program,” calling environmental stewardship education critical for students.
Accokeek Foundation Executive Director Anjela Barnes called the funding “a significant milestone” for the organization’s ability to broaden its place-based programs statewide, thanking the senators for their leadership. Managing Deputy Director Tiara Thomas said the Foundation is committed to using the funding “to deliver real value for students and teachers” while maintaining accountability for the federal resources.
The Accokeek Foundation is a nonprofit partner to the National Park Service at Piscataway Park, supporting daily operations and stewardship of the site along the Potomac River and welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
