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Baltimore
Why We Are Here: Earth Force’s long standing partnership with General Motors prompted the GREEN program’s establishment in Baltimore. The port city of Baltimore is located near the head of the Chesapeake Bay, and it straddles the Patapsco and Back River watersheds. As a major urban and industrial city from its early history as a tobacco port, it has a lengthy record of human impact on its waterways. With its industrial/manufacturing base in decline since the 1950's, Baltimore has seen a continuing decrease in population an overall decline in economic vitality. According to the most recent US Census Bureau figures, 19.3 percent of individuals (15.4 percent of families) live below poverty. In neighborhoods most affected by poverty, environmental issues are compounded by a lack of resources, aging infrastructure, and lack of civic engagement. The GM Baltimore Operations facility located in White Marsh, Maryland is helping address these types of issues by supporting the GREEN program as a good neighbor in the community. The program addresses water quality concerns while promoting youth civic engagement, and it encourages students to explore STEM careers. Demographics: Baltimore City Public Schools - 2011-2012 school year 84% low income (based on Free/Reduced Price Meal eligibility) 3.1% English language learner • 86.0% African American • 11.8% White • 4.6% Hispanic/Latino • 1.1% Asian • 0.4% American Indian or Alaska Native • 0.3% Hawaiian or Pacific Islander • 0.4% two or more races (total exceeds 100 percent due to rounding and mixed-race reporting)
What We Are Doing: We have started a new partnership with the Carnegie Institution for Science's BioEYES program, which interweaves in-class lessons in zebrafish embryology and field trips investigating water quality and watershed conditions through a program called Your Watershed, Your Backyard. Offered in partnership with Blue Water Baltimore, the program emphasizes projects to improve water quality and careers in science. GM's White Marsh transmission facility has provided funding and volunteer support for the 2011-2012 school year. Earth Force History in this Community: 2011 is our first year working in Baltimore. Number of Youth: 0 Number of Educators: 0 Participating Partners: Participating School Districts:
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