Our 2018 - 2020 Field Experience Program
GEM Environmental, in partnership with Yavapai College, offered hands-on science education for underserved college students in Yavapai County during the 2018 - 2020 program years. The program was designed to provide engaging activities, including field trips where students could apply their knowledge, broaden perspectives on conservation, and gain insight into industry careers.

Nationally, 90% of lower-income first generation college students do not graduate within 6 years of beginning college. If a student comes from a low-income background, is a first-generation student, or a minority, their chances decline dramatically. The Field Experience Program exemplifies our mission that science is for everyone, working with these goals in mind:

  1. Increase community access to and engagement with STEM, especially to populations for whom engagement is limited by social, gender, or economic barriers.
  2. Enhance student education by providing opportunities for community engagement and service learning.
  3. Foster collaboration between college programs and institutions with complementary missions.
  4. Broaden perspectives on conservation and provide insight about STEM careers.

The program began with a series of lectures in the classroom. Lectures were given by local professionals and STEM graduate students, who visited classrooms to offer engaging scientific curriculum in a variety of areas including geography, seismology, mineralogy, and more. It was our goal to help students explore career opportunities in the earth science disciplines by meeting industry and academic professionals who themselves faced adversity during their quest for higher education.
At the end of each semester, field trips were taken to industry sites such as the Drake Cement Mine in Paulden, AZ. These active-learning field trips gave students the opportunity to spend extended time contemplating ideas encountered in the classroom during the semester, and how to apply those concepts to potential career opportunities in their fields of interest.
This unique program was supported by grants and donations from individuals.
We regularly hold fundraisers, both in the community and online. If you'd like to support this valuable program, click here.

"I am eager to learn more about various science career fields, as well as the methods to attain a relevant degree."
-Spring 2019 Program Participant (Geology 102)



Who's Participated In The Program?
43% - Female
49% - Age 18-20
22% - Identify as non-Caucasian
52% - First generation student
78% - Low-income student
86% - Have never participated in an internship program



What Did Participates Think About The Program?
100% - Agreed to strongly agreed that they enjoyed listening to our guest lecturers.
100% - Agreed to strongly agreed that they learned things in the program that were worthwhile.
100% - Said the field trip to Drake Cement Mine was their favorite thing about the program.
100% - Agreed to strongly agreed that they see the value of science/STEM in their daily lives.

"It was a great opportunity to learn more about the environmental
side of geology and the career opportunities in the field."
-Spring 2019 Program Participant (Geology 110, Environmental Geology)

We continuously work to expand our relationships with local schools to provide unique and engaging activities. If you are a school in Yavapai County and would like to work with us please email us here. If you'd like to give back to the community, consider becoming a lecturer in the program. Click here to learn more and apply.