Today’s Niagara Students Become Tomorrow’s Environmentally Aware Citizens Through Watershed Education Program

2015-04-16

Back

Print Print

Word

ST. CATHARINES, ON – This Friday April 17th, students from the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) will get their feet wet in environmental science, thanks to a partnership between General Motors, Niagara College and Earth Force.

The General Motors Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (GM GREEN) program encourages a community-wide approach to help youth better understand their impact on local watersheds. The program builds students’ environmental knowledge to enable informed decision-making necessary for community resilience around environment changes and challenges.

Employees from St. Catharines Powertrain, students and staff from Niagara College’s School of Environment and Horticultural Studies, and Earth Force will mentor young people as they conduct water quality testing in local streams and channel their findings into a sustainable action plan addressing water quality issues in the Niagara region.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with General Motors, Earth Force and the District School Board of Niagara on this initiative,” said Alan Unwin, Associate Dean of the School of Environment and Horticultural Studies, and co-chair of Niagara College’s Sustainability Committee. “This is a great opportunity for our students to take the skills and knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom and apply them right here in the community.”

In 2014, Niagara College began organizing the GM GREEN program in the Niagara region, facilitating the program with the DSBN Academy. The non-profit organization Earth Force provides learning resources and coordination to the networks of partners in 40 communities across North America in which GM operates.

“GM GREEN nurtures collaborative environmental stewardship and exemplifies the best in Science, Technology, Education, Math (STEM) education and our commitment to serve and improve the Niagara Region,” said Doug Yates, Environment and Energy Director of General Motors Canada Ltd. “Access to clean water is essential to all communities, and this program encourages students to be leaders in advancing water quality and conservation.”

GM GREEN engaged over 14,000 young people throughout the U.S. and Canada last year, the 25th anniversary of the program. It is the longest-running conservation education program by any automaker.

For more information about Earth Force and the GM GREEN program, visit www.earthforce.org/GMGREEN.

To learn about GM’s environmental commitment, visit its sustainability report and environmental blog.

To learn about sustainability at Niagara College, visit www.niagaracollege.ca/sustainability.

About GM in Canada

Headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) employs more than 9,000 people across the country and is a recognized leader in green manufacturing. GMCL markets the full range of fuel-efficient Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles and related services through Canada’s largest automotive dealer network. More information regarding GMCL models can be found at www.gm.ca, or by following @GMCanada on Twitter.

Earth Force is a national 501(c)3 organization with headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Its mission is to engage young people as active citizens who improve the environment and their communities now and in the future. Through Earth Force and its network of partners, young people get hands-on, real-world opportunities to practice civic skills, acquire a deep understanding of the environment, and develop the skills and motivation to become lifelong leaders in addressing community issues. Visit www.earthforce.org or follow @earthforce on Twitter to learn more.

Niagara College offers more than 100 diplomas, bachelor degrees and advanced level programs at campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Niagara Falls; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Continuing Education courses. Through its School of Environment and Horticulture Studies, Niagara College offers a diploma program in Environmental Technician (Field and Laboratory) and graduate programs in Ecosystem Restoration and Environmental Management and Assessment. Learn more at www.niagaracollege.ca.

###