The National Aquarium in Baltimore's mission is to connect people with aquatic life in order to create a better world for both. But how does that better world come about? It is created by individuals inspired to take action on behalf of animals and their environments. By protecting our air, water, land, and wildlife, today's youth will ensure a better world for their tomorrows.
The Aquarium developed the Muddy Feet Award to recognize young people who are sparked to action by a beautiful fish or a compelling problem, and in turn inspire others to examine what they can do to create a better world. These are young people who learned about a problem, and weren't afraid to jump right in and get their hands (and feet!) dirty, cleaning it up.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
The award is given out twice a year. Muddy Feet Award winners will receive an Aquarium membership and recognition in an Aquarium exhibit.
HOW TO APPLY
Completed applications may be submitted via e-mail or mailed. After completing the following application, return the application to the Aquarium by one of the methods below.
» Download the Muddy Feet Award Application (PDF)
Mail completed application to:
Jen Bloomer
Muddy Feet Award Coordinator
National Aquarium in Baltimore
111 Market Place, Suite 800
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
E-mail completed application to:
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Project is completed while the student is in the 5th through 12th grade.
- Student was inspired by a visit to the National Aquarium in Baltimore or one of its events or programs.
- Student is nominated by a teacher, youth group leader, Aquarium staff member, or other community member.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The Muddy Feet Award is given out twice annually. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.
HOW MUDDY FEET PROJECTS ARE JUDGED
Each application will be reviewed by the awards panel. The panel consists of Aquarium staff members who evaluate each application based on the following criteria:
- Extent to which the project was designed, coordinated, and implemented due to the young person's initiative. The impetus and driving force for the project must be the student's, not a parent's or teacher's.
- Environmental need for the project and appropriateness.
- Were the goals accomplished? (List the goals of the project and how they were accomplished.)
- Extent to which the project was inspired by an Aquarium animal, experience, program, exhibit, connection, or idea.
- Project is completed while the student is in the 5th through 12th grade.
- Student was inspired by a visit to the National Aquarium in Baltimore or one of its events or programs. Student is nominated by a teacher, youth group leader, Aquarium staff member, or other community member.
