No matter the industry’s climate, inspiring and educating young geologists is at the heart of the AAPG Foundation’s mission. Maintaining and growing a permanent non-profit foundation supporting educational and scientific activities in the field of geology is the central mission of the AAPG Foundation, and the organization achieves that mission through funding a myriad of educational programs.
The Foundation’s generous contributors have consistently worked to make a big impact within geologic education at the collegiate level with two important undergraduate-focused geoscience programs: the L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant Program and the new U.S. Military Veterans Scholarship Program.
These programs promote educational opportunities for students and student groups studying internationally, as well as opportunities for veterans in the United States who are attempting to return to school and secure geology degrees. These emphases encompass what the Foundation is all about – paying forward the opportunity to empower geology students to further their education both inside and outside of the classroom.
Supporting Geoscience Education Worldwide
In 2016, the L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant Program drummed up more interest than ever. More than 300 students and 100 student organizations applied for grants this year. The L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant Committee, led by Ron Nelson, worked hard to score the many applicants. While there were many deserving applicants, the Foundation was only able to fulfill grant requests from 38 percent of those who applied for funds.
Supporting U.S. Veterans
In its second year of operation, the AAPG Foundation’s U.S. Military Veterans Scholarship Program (MVSP) continues to promote education and career opportunities to veterans, aiding in the transition to educational and civilian technical professions, as well as advance and promote geoscience programs within higher education institutions.
The MVSP Committee, chaired by retired Air Force Lt. Col. and AAPG Foundation Trustee Associate Don O’Nesky, gave generously of their time and talents during the review process this year. The Committee reviewed many eligible applications and in 2016 awarded 10 veterans $2,000 in scholarship funds to help support them and their families in their efforts to transition to a career in the geosciences beyond the military.
These veteran recipients are primed to shine in their fields, as their skillsets translate to hands-on, applied careers in the geosciences. With the help of these scholarships, these aspiring geoscientists are better able to complete their degrees, less burdened by the high cost of tuition, which often results in many students stalling or halting continuing education.
More support is needed. Consider making a donation to one of these programs today. Call the AAPG Foundation to pledge your support to geoscience education (918) 560-2644, or visit our website for more information at foundation.aapg.org.
2016 MVSP Recipients
- Christopher Ammon, Army Reserve, SGT/E-5, Utah State University
- Cody Garcia, Army, SPC/E-4, Salisbury University
- Jacob Lasater, Army, SGT/E-5, Rocky Mountain College
- Daniel Orazi, Army, Staff Sergeant, Indiana University-Purdue University
- Gregorios Petropoulos, Marine Corps, Corporal, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Jacob Pratt, Marine Corps, E-4, Appalachian State University
- Ryan Rosol, Navy, Midshipman, University of Oklahoma
- Christopher Shea, Marine Corps, Corporal, University of Oklahoma
- Jeffrey Snowden Jr., Army, Staff Sergeant, Midwestern State University
- Wesley Weisberg, Navy, E-5, Missouri State University