by Amie Winters, Public Relations Coordinator, G.E.M. Environmental
In just two years, a small educational organization is making big waves in the community.
G.E.M. Environmental (GEM), a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has been awarded a grant by the Environmental and Sustainability fund, a component of the Arizona Community Foundation.
The Geology, Engineering, Minerals (GEM) Environmental organization works with government agencies to conserve public lands, while connecting underserved STEM students to integrated and collaborative educational programming.
“In the short time that we’ve launched the Field Experience Program, we’ve already received tremendous support from the community,” Eric M. Welsh, GEM’s Executive Director said. “The grant from the Arizona Community Foundation will give us additional resources to offer hands-on science education for underserved college students in Yavapai County.
“The program will continue to expand its engaging activities, including field trips where students apply their knowledge, broaden perspectives on conservation, and gain insight into managing public lands.”
G.E.M. Environmental was founded in 2017 and offers STEM scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students, paid internships, community volunteer days, educational programs, regular blog series and more. It has a partnership with Yavapai College and Drake Cement Mine, among other institutions in Arizona and New Mexico.
GEM successfully raised over $5,000 in conjunction with Arizona Gives Day, won an Arizona Gives Day incentive prize for the most dollars raised within 24 hours for a micro nonprofit, and raised over $2,000 for Giving Tuesday to support the Field Experience Program.
Established in 1978, the Arizona Community Foundation is a statewide family of charitable funds supported by thousands of Arizonans. More information is available at azfoundation.org and gemenvironmental.org.
