Baylor Receives 3M Foundation Vision Grant Award
Baylor University has been selected as one of four private colleges to receive grants totaling nearly $200,000 through the 3M Vision Grant program in 2003.
The Vision Grants are designed to foster innovation in private colleges by supporting new, academically based initiatives that transform the basis of learning by involving students in community concerns.
Baylor's proposal - "Uniting Students from Baylor and Area High Schools to Improve Water Quality" - will evaluate methods and technologies with a potential to reduce water pollution in Central Texas through environmental science classes and fieldwork carried out by high school, undergraduate and graduate students.
"Innovation is a cornerstone of 3M's culture," said Fred Harris, staff vice president, 3M Community Affairs and Workforce Diversity. "The 3M Foundation Vision Grant invests in innovative approaches that bring colleges and communities together to address community issues. As the 3M Foundation celebrates its 50th anniversary, we are pleased to recognize four private colleges that will implement visionary programs, which take student learning beyond the classroom and into the community."
In the 16 years of the Vision Grant program, 76 grants totaling more than $3.1 million have been awarded to private colleges located in 3M communities across the country. This year's recipients will implement programs in environmental sciences, arts, science outreach and entrepreneurship.
3M is a $16 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, health care, safety and other markets. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., the company has operations in nearly 200 countries. 3M's Contributions Program consists of product donations and cash grants by 3M and the 3M Foundation and bolstered by employee and retiree volunteerism. In 2002, over $43.7 million was awarded to education and charitable organizations.
Austin is the global headquarters for the 3M Electro and Communications Business and the 3M Visual Systems Division. 3M has two Austin facilities: a research and development site on RR 2222 and a manufacturing facility on U.S. Hwy. 183, which manufactures fiber optic products and test equipment for the telecommunications industry. About 1,350 people work at the two sites.
For more information about 3M in Austin, go to http://www.3m.com/austin.