Dan and Hope Rigel Educational Grant

The Dan and Hope Rigel Educational Grant supports high school educators in promoting geology and paleontology education. Established in memory of Hope Rigel, the grant provides up to $1,000, which may be divided among multiple awards annually. Funds can be used for student collecting trips or purchasing educational specimens. Awardees must demonstrate need and provide feedback, including letters and photos, to enhance the grant's visibility and impact.

This Grant was created in the name of of Dan Rigel, who ran Caveman Lapidary along with his wife, Hope. When Hope passed away in 2020, the name of the Grant was changed to include her name. The grant money is to be used to sponsor collecting trips for students or to buy rock/mineral/fossil specimens for educational purposes. The $1000 Grant may be split into two, three or four grants per year at the discretion of the AAPS Board. Applicants need to write a letter stating how they propose to use the grant. The awardee(s) will be selected based upon need and the proposed use of funds. Following the award of this grant, awardees will be asked to provide photos of the students on trips or the student's use of the fossils in the classroom. AAPS would also like to receive letters from students and educator(s) expressing their appreciation. AAPS also requests permission to use some of the letters and photographs on our web site to help promote the grant. If any money is left over, AAPS requests that it be returned so that it can continue to be used in the manner it was intended for.
Because of the great educational opportunities, AAPS would like to see donations to this fund increase throughout the year. AAPS will strive to distribute whatever money is donated to this grant on an annual basis. Money specifically donated to this Grant cannot go into the general fund. AAPS thanks all of the donors to this grant and we look forward to helping educate our young people in the wonder and beauty of rocks and fossils.

Eligibility

This grant will be given to a High School teacher(s) or High School educator to promote the education of their students in geology and paleontology.The grant money must be used to sponsor collecting trips for students or to buy rock/mineral/fossil specimens for educational purposes.

Ineligibility

Money specifically donated to this Grant cannot go into the general fund.