General Motors

When GREEN became a program of Earth Force in 1999, its long standing financial and volunteer supporter, General Motors, joined Earth Force as well.

Over that span of time, thousands of GM employees have worked side by side with teachers, community partners and more than 100,000 young people in more that 32 GM communities in the United State and Canada. This successful partnership effort works to engage our youth and whole communities in watershed education and river protection efforts.

Students, teachers and GM employee mentors literally get their feet wet while visiting their local bodies of water to conduct water quality monitoring -- performing chemical tests, sampling for aquatic insects and assessing the stream's physical attributes.

GM mentors help young people see the "real-world" application of science. Before and after water quality monitoring, GM mentors support students in interpreting data, analyzing local issues, applying critical thinking skills and balancing opposing viewpoints. With the help of their mentors, students use scientific knowledge to discover community problems and then work to create lasting solutions to pressing water quality issues.

With the support of GM, Earth Force developed the nationally recognized Protecting Our Watersheds curricula, training and resources for supporting educators in implementing GREEN around the country.