The Institute has developed an out-of-school program entitled "Down to Earth" for local school districts in grades 6-12 to bring new experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to both students and teachers alike. We have partnered with local educators, community groups and technology and science-related businesses as well to bring National Science Foundation funding to this effort. Stay tuned for further details as grants are announced and awarded later this year!

In related work, the Institute has adopted three local schools (C.J. Hooker Middle School in Goshen, NY, Furnace Woods Elementary School in Cortlandt Manor, NY, Hastings High School in Hastings, NY and Ossinging High School in Ossining, NY) and has both loaned and donated a wealth of mineral specimens for display, lab and classroom use. The Institute continues to work with interested educators at these facilities and others to further programs in geology and mineralogy.

In conjunction with the New York Mineralogical Club and Excalibur Mineral Corporation, the Institute developed and staffed a special Boy Scout program at the recent New York City Gem & Mineral Show, in which 60 scouts attended a free mineral identification and geology merit badge class. Over 900 mineral specimens were distributed, and a some excited new collectors were created! This program is being repeated annually with other scouting groups.