Governor's Environmental Corp Working with Springfield Area Youth Summer Programs

SPRINGFIELD — Today, representatives from Illinois EPA and the Governor’s Environmental Corp (GEC) will take part in the first of several outreach activities with Springfield area summer programs. Through the Governor’s Junior Environmental Corp (Jr. GEC), school age children, age 5-12, take part in a hands-on environmental education program led by student interns working under the Governor’s Environmental Corp. Today’s event marks the first of six events that will be held at Lincoln Memorial Garden’s Ecology Camp.

“Illinois EPA is proud to work with local summer programs to share environmental education with school age students,” said Director Lisa Bonnett. “The Governor’s Junior Environmental Corp echoes Governor Quinn’s commitment to education, starting at a young age.”

Ten student interns are participating in this year’s Jr. GEC Program, who will present a variety of environmental topics in a fun and interactive manner. Jr. GEC participants will be educated on environmental topics including macroinvertebraes, recycling, water conservation, soil types, global warming and air pollutants. While these topics can be difficult to grasp, teaching through interaction has proven to make learning about these topics fun.

The Governor’s Environmental Corp began its 23rd year this month. This program offers a unique public-private partnership between state government and Illinois corporations, whose sponsorship contributions pay the salaries and expenses of the participating students. The nine-week GEC program runs from June 2 – August 1, 2014 and includes 25 total positions statewide. The full-time college undergraduate or graduate students are paired with Agency mentors in their area of environmental interest and work in Illinois EPA’s Springfield and regional offices. Student interns are pursuing degrees in fields such as engineering, geology, chemistry, biology, communications and law.

In addition to the six Jr. GEC events at Lincoln Memorial Garden’s Ecology Camp, Jr. GEC will also visit Springfield District 186’s SCOPE Program and the Springfield Racquet and Fitness Center Summer Camp.