AAPG Foundation leaders talk about it all the time – for many on the team, in fact, it’s the core passion that fuels their commitment.
Geoscience education, done with excellence. With creative and innovative approaches. Inspired, and done with purpose.
The subject often dominates their discussions, both before, during and after official meetings, because ensuring the future of geosciences is at the heart of the Foundation’s mission.
As such, the Foundation devotes a lot of discussion time to geoscience education.
But they don’t just “talk” about the need. The Foundation’s next step? It’s called putting your money where your mouth is.
“Certainly, we don’t just talk about trying to ensure the future of the geosciences through educational emphases,” noted Foundation Chair Jim McGhay. “We actively seek ways to enhance and encourage our programs and efforts.”
One way that’s accomplished is through the funding of specific educational initiatives, such as its grant support for graduate students, scholarships for field camp attendees, and several K-12 programs, including the popular Teacher’s Day Program, Earth Science Week activities and the Geology Kitchen online video series.
“There’s no doubt, geoscience education is a big priority for us because we believe it is our way of helping to build an energy-informed future,” McGhay said.
“Another reason why,” he continued, “is because this subject is so very important to those who support us with their donations – we’re entrusted with the wise and effective administration of those gifts, and promoting geoscience education is a great use of those valuable resources.”
Educational initiatives are especially hot topics for the Foundation in this late winter-early spring season, as three of its flagship programs move into the spotlight.
Now is the time for receiving and considering:
- Nominations for this year’s Teacher of the Year Award
- Nominations for this year’s Inspirational Geoscience Educator Award
- Applications for the Deana and Paul Strunk Military Veterans Scholarship Program
“These initiatives are so important to so many people, and on a variety of levels,” McGhay said. “Obviously, the MVSP awards will benefit people and families who have sacrificed for their country, and also will bring great new talent and perspectives into our profession.
“And the TOTY and IGEA programs are an effective and fun way of emphasizing geoscience excellence by honoring those teachers who are making a difference in the world,” he said.
“We get to tell teachers, ‘Yes, we see and applaud your efforts, and we thank you for how you’re improving students’ lives as well as our world.’
“But by offering these awards we also get to simultaneously tell the public, ‘Look, here are teachers who have devoted their energies to geoscience excellence, because this subject matters.’
It is a big part of the Foundation mission.
“Supporting geoscience educational excellence – this is an initiative that everyone can join,” McGhay said. “With our donors help, we strive to ensure it, emphasize it and promote it for students and teachers at all levels.”
Nomination Deadlines are Near
The nomination deadlines for the TOTY, IGEA and MVSP all arrive within the next several weeks, so now is the time to make your voice known.
The three programs are among the Foundation’s most popular and respected initiatives.
The deadline details are:
- Nominations for the Teacher of the Year Award, honoring geoscience teaching excellence at the K-12 level, will be accepted through March 31.
TOTY, which is open to K-12 geoscience teachers within the United States, annually gives $6,000 to the winning teacher ($3,000 for school use under the teacher’s supervision for educational purposes, and $3,000 for the teacher’s personal use).
Recipients also receive an expense-paid trip for two to IMAGE ’25, where they are publicly recognized for their achievement.
Nominations can be made online, at foundation.aapg.org/teacher-of-the-year-award-k-12.
- Nominations for the Inspirational Geoscience Educator Award, honoring college and university professors, will be accepted through April 15.
The IGEA emphasizes those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the field of geoscience education, typically evidenced in the testimonies of students who have experienced life-changing inspiration toward the geosciences, thanks to the educator.
IGEA, which is open to university and college-level educators who are within 10 years of their initial tenure track appointment, annually gives $6,000 to the winning educator.
Recipients also receive a commemorative award and are invited to attend IMAGE ’25, where they can be publicly recognized for their achievement.
Nominations can be made online, at foundation.aapg.org/inspirational-geoscience-educator-award.
- Applications for the Deana and Paul Strunk Military Veterans Scholarship Program, supporting military veterans and their families, are due by April 30.
The MVSP supports education and career opportunities for veterans, aids in the transition of veterans to educational and civilian technical professions, and promotes geoscience programs in higher education institutions.
Through the MVSP, the Foundation annually awards scholarships of $5,000 to both active U.S. military service members (including National Guard and Reserves) or honorably discharged veterans who are entering or re-entering a post-secondary undergraduate program in the field of geoscience fulltime or parttime. (Parttime students receive $2,500.)
The scholarships are awarded to cover the costs of attending a four-year accredited college or university, helping in their transition to a civilian career in the geosciences.
Eligibility also includes dependents (spouses and children) of military personnel who are deceased, disabled, active and veteran.
Information on online applications can be found at foundation.aapg.org/military-veterans-scholarship-program.
Additional information on all Foundation programs and activities, including how to contribute, can be found on the
AAPG Foundation website, or by contacting Heather Hodges ([email protected] or [email protected]; 918-560-2621).