Grants will support educational programs at nature centers nationwide
3M has selected nine organizations to receive nearly $400,000 in grants for projects aimed at improving science-based environmental and conservation education for youth. Since 2001, 3M has invested more than $20 million in sustainability initiatives as part of the company’s commitment to encouraging environmental stewardship. This year’s 3Mgives Eco Grant recipients provide programs that help students connect science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education with the world around them.
The grant recipients arenature and environmental learning centers located in communities near a 3M facility. Recipients were selected based on criteria including: goals to connect STEM education and nature with outdoor learning opportunities; education that encourages environmental stewardship; and the ability to increase student visits and teacher preparedness — thereby extending the learning beyond a single visit.
“3M is committed to improving every life through innovative giving in education, community and the environment. These organizations are helping to connect the future workforce to nature and science,” said Kim Price, vice president, 3Mgives. “We are delighted to support educational programs that generate enthusiasm for nature and encourage environmental stewardship.”
3Mgives' Eco Grant recipients for 2013 include a $41,000 grant to New Canaan Nature Center in Meriden, Conn. for an environmental education center and sanctuary dedicated to helping students and visitors better understand, appreciate, and care for the world of nature. The sanctuary encompasses the third-largest tract of public open space in New Canaan. This 40-acre site is crisscrossed by two miles of trails meandering through wet and dry meadows, woodlands, ponds, dense thickets, an old orchard, and a cattail marsh. The outdoor classroom will host nearly 10,000 visitors and more than 450 environmental education programs each year.
“We are extremely grateful to 3Mgives,” said Laura Heckman, executive director of the New Canaan Nature Center. “This grant will allow students, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to learn real-world science and leadership. It’s a great investment into our future.”
The additional 2013 3Mgives Eco Grant recipients are the Catawba Science Center in Conover, N.C.; Eagle Creek Park – Indianapolis Parks in Indianapolis, Ind.; John J. Tyler Arboretum, Aston, Pa.; Keystone Heritage Park, Inc., Edusa, Texas; Natural Resources Trust of Easton, Rockland, Mass.; Puget Sound Restoration Fund, Bainbridge Island, Wash.; Red Rock Lake Association, Knoxville, Iowa; The Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve, Menomonie, Wis.
About 3Mgives
3Mgives is a recognized leader in corporate giving, philanthropy, volunteerism and community engagement. Since 1953, 3M has invested $1.3 billion in cash and products around the world and was most recently honored with the United Way Spirit of America Award, the Silver U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award and the Excellence in Mentoring Award for Corporate Leadership. For more information, visit www.3Mgives.com or follow @3Mgives on Twitter.
About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $30 billion in sales, 3M employs 88,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.
3M Public RelationsJacqueline Berry, 651-733-3611
