EnvironMentors to Receive $333K Grant from Toyota Foundation

The National Council on Science and Environment (NCSE) is pleased to announce that its EnvironMentors Program has been approved for a grant in the amount of $332,797 by the Toyota Foundation. This financial grant will provide stability to an excellent initiative that is being effectively lead by Jessica Soule, the EnvironMentors Program Director.

The EnvironMentors program served a record number of students over the past twelve months with many inspirational stories of individuals in each of its 12 Chapters. EnvironMentors has received several additional smaller awards that further strengthen our work.

Founded in 1992 as an environment-based mentoring program, EnvironMentors envisions young adult leaders from all cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds becoming active stewards of their communities and the environment. By creating a bridge that encourages underserved youth to explore environmental education in college we open potential pathways for them to move toward successful environmental careers.

EnvironMentors is uniquely positioned to increase the number of under-represented students in environmental and related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields nationwide and help build a diverse, skilled workforce for the new green economy. Students, who would typically not have the exposure or opportunities to access environmental and related degrees and careers, gain invaluable mentoring, scientific research skills and support in college preparation. Equally important, students become more informed and active stewards of their local communities and the environment through EnvironMentors.

Currently, EnvironMentors has expanded to include thirteen chapters at: Alabama State University, Alabama A&M University, Arkansas State University, Colorado State University, Heritage University, Kean University, Kentucky State University, Louisiana State University, North Carolina State University, University of California, Davis, University of the District of Columbia, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and West Virginia University.

For more information about the EnvironMentors program, please visit www.ncseonline.org