To help empower students to make a difference, PPL is accepting applications for its 2008 environmental education grant program, which focuses on renewable energy and energy conservation projects.

“PPL continues to look for new ways to partner with school districts in the communities where we live and work,” said Meg Welker, education relations director for PPL. “Through the Project Earth Environmental Education Grants program, we hope to encourage students to take positive steps to protect our resources.”

Through these competitive grants, schools can receive from $500 up to $5,000 in funding for projects that focus on energy and environmental issues like renewable energy demonstrations, energy conservation and the greening of schools.

Grant proposals will be accepted online beginning in April 2008. All applications must be received by Oct. 15, 2008. Early submittals are encouraged. Winners will be announced in November 2008.

All qualifying public, private and parochial schools near major PPL facilities are eligible for these competitive grants. Schools are strongly encouraged to partner with an organization, association or business that shares their interest in the environment, but the school must submit the application, receive the grant money and have primary responsibility for the project.

For more information or to apply, click here. A full listing of eligible schools is located on the Web site.

A team of PPL employees, environmental professionals and educators will choose the winning projects. PPL sponsors the Environmental Education Grants program as part of PPL Project Earth, an initiative to educate the public about energy resources and the environment.

PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), headquartered in Allentown, Pa., controls more than 11,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States, sells energy in key U.S. markets and delivers electricity to about 4 million customers in Pennsylvania and the United Kingdom.