The demand for geosciences expertise in Canada is far outstripping the capacity for universities to provide qualified candidates to fill the positions. To meet this growing need and to encourage more students to consider the geosciences as a potential career with excellent prospects, the Department of Geology at the University of Toronto has launched a new fundraising initiative: The Explorers Fund.

The Explorers Fund gives alumni and friends an opportunity to directly support the recruitment and training of the next generation of geoscientists. By establishing scholarships and awards, today’s explorers will inspire tomorrow’s explorers to pursue advanced training and careers in geology.

Photo: Courtesy of Department of Geology

Donors interested in supporting this important objective can direct their contributions to the following initiatives:

I. FIELD EDUCATION FUND

Support field-based training and research for undergraduate and graduate students, and help give them access to practical, industry-relevant opportunities at the most significant field locations around the world. Undergraduate students are required to do field courses as part of their degree, and to pay compulsory fees over and above their tuition to participate. Graduate students must travel to and conduct primary research at Canadian and international sites. This fund is an ideal way to ensure that even modest donations will have an immediate impact on students by enabling them to undertake their all-important field training and research.

II. UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE EXPLORERS FUND

Support the recruitment and education of students in the geosciences. Our goal is to establish a number of endowed undergraduate and graduate scholarships that will be awarded based on financial need and merit. Donors who contribute a minimum of $20,000 to create an endowed undergraduate scholarship and $50,000 to create an endowed graduate scholarship will have the option of naming an Explorers Scholarship (in accordance with U of T’s Policy on Naming) — and the satisfaction of knowing that their gift will provide necessary financial support for qualified students, in perpetuity.

Photo: Anthony Macri

To learn more about this project, contact Monica Lin at 416-946-5616 or monica.lin@utoronto.ca.