The Gary R. Olson Paleontology Educator Classroom Materials Grant was created in honor of Gary R. Olson, who passed away unexpectedly in 2023. Gary was a skilled field paleontologist and paleontology educator who inspired countless young people to pursue science through his fieldwork and educational public programs.

Classroom materials are a valuable tool for educating our youth in a wide range of paleontological concepts critical to scientific literacy, including deep time, systematics, paleoecology, evolution, extinction, and taphonomy. The opportunity for young people to interact with fossils and other paleontological materials in a classroom can invoke a sense of wonder and awe that will inspire or deepen their appreciation for science. The Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences is proud to fulfill our mission to expand scientific knowledge and public awareness in the field of paleontology by dedicating grant funds to support educators with paleontological classroom materials.

This grant is available to public, private, and charter school educators to purchase paleontology-related materials for their classrooms. Fossils, replicas, educational kits, posters, books, or any other paleontology-related classroom items are acceptable. The purchase of real fossil specimens is encouraged but not necessary. Grants up to $250 will be awarded to two classrooms per educational stage (elementary, middle, and high school) per year.

To be considered for a grant, eligible educators must provide the following information:

1. A detailed statement of items to be purchased with grant funds.

2.A statement of intended use and desired outcomes.

3.Educator Name:
    School Name:
    School District:
    City:
    State/Province:
    Country:
    Classroom Grade Level:
    Subject/s Taught:

Please attach a copy of your current educator photo ID card to your application.

Applicants do not need to be members of the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences to be considered for the grant.

The application must be received by November 1st, to be considered for the following calendar year. Incomplete submissions, not containing the required documentation or submissions recieved after November 1st will be returned to the submitter. You may send your application to: George Winters, Administrative Director, george@stonejungle.com, or mail it to George F. Winters, 96 E 700 S, Logan, UT 84321-5555.

Starting in 2021, applicants from outside of the United States must have a bank account in their name, that will accept wire transfers from the United States of America. AAPS will no longer mail award payments in the form of a check to other countries.

Funding for this Grant will come from the AAPS, as well as annual private donations from Individuals ($100.00), Company ($500.00) and Corporate ($1,000.00) sponsors.

The Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences, AAPS, is a public charity under IRS section 501(c)(3). As such it is tax exempt for income tax purposes and is permitted to receive tax deductible gifts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Service. It is also able to receive tax deductible bequests for Estate Tax purposes. Donations to any of our scholarships and Grants are totally tax deductible here in the United States. 100% of all Scholarship and Grant donations are used for those purposes only. Specimens donated for our annual auction may also be deductible, but you need to check with your tax and estate planner.

Recipients