The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is accepting applications for the upcoming school year’s AIR-FAIR educational pilot program. The agency announced that high schools across the state may submit teams to participate in the free environmental science initiative.
AIR-FAIR engages students in investigating local air quality conditions. Participants analyze community data and develop projects that address specific environmental topics. The curriculum allows for flexibility, permitting teams to formulate research questions, produce artistic interpretations of their findings, or design initiatives focused on community needs.
Schools must assemble teams of four to eight students, each guided by an adult advisor from the school staff. The program is open to students attending recognized public, private, charter, or Tribal schools within Idaho.
DEQ officials encourage a wide range of student organizations to apply. Eligible groups include science clubs, Science Olympiad teams, career and technical education programs, art classes, and other organized student bodies. The agency noted that while participation carries no cost, available slots are limited.
Schools interested in joining the 2026–2027 cohort must complete a team application form. The deadline for submission is October 1, 2026. Selected schools will be notified through the agency’s review process.