COLUMBIA - The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control is accepting applications for the Champions of the Environment 2007-08 grant award program, the agency has announced.

"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 make their projects even better," said Lynne LaSalle, coordinator for Champions of the Environment.

"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 must also educate the community and make a lasting difference to the environment."

Champions of the Environment is made possible through a public-private partnership consisting of Eastman Chemical Company, International Paper, WIS-TV and DHEC. For more information, contact LaSalle at (803) 898-4394, or visit the Champions' Web site at: http://www.scdhec.sc. gov/champions.