If you've got a plan to improve the environment and it involves the participation of students, then South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Control might be able to help you out.

The department is awarding 10 grants of $2,000 each.

Here's details, from a press release:

"Grants of $2,000 will be awarded to 10 outstanding environmental projects this school year," said Lynne LaSalle, coordinator for Champions of the Environment. "This competitive grant award program is a great opportunity for individual students and school groups working on well-planned, hands-on environmental projects to receive money to protect and improve the water, air and land.

"Eligible projects must involve K-12 students in South Carolina and address an environmental issue in one or more of the following categories: prevention or reduction of pollution in the air, water or land; waste reduction; restoration, preservation or enhancement of natural areas; or water or energy efficiency," LaSalle said. "Projects should also educate the community and make a lasting difference to the environment."

According to LaSalle, winning projects receive the $2,000 grant, Champions giveaway items, and the project is featured in a TV commercial that airs in Charleston and Columbia.

September 15 is the application deadline for the first round of grants.

Champions of the Environment is made possible through a public-private partnership consisting of Eastman Chemical Company, International Paper, WCSC-TV, WIS-TV and DHEC, with additional support from the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina. Since 1993, Champions of the Environment has been rewarding environmental action and education performed by South Carolina students.

For more information, contact LaSalle at (803) 898-4394, or visit the Champions Web site at: http://www.scdhec.sc.gov/champions.