Students of Thornton Tomasetti Foundation Sponsored PLUS Program to Present Land Use Ideas at Symposium
New York, NY – November 7, 2011 - High school students in Rockland County will be able to participate in the assessment and planning of land use in their communities, thanks to a $5,000 grant from The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation to the Planning Land Use with Students (PLUS) Program.
The PLUS Program, administered through Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, provides students with real world experience in land use planning and decision making. Students learn to address concepts of sustainable planning and examine important environmental, social and economic land planning questions, while working in teams to map out their own land use plan.
High school students selected their own sites for review, assessment and planning and will offer up presentations with mentor input for their land use ideas at a symposium on Friday, December 16, 2011 at the SUNY Rockland Community College in Suffern, NY. A group of planning and development professionals will be in attendance to advise the students on their projects.
In addition to the Thornton Tomasetti Foundation, additional sponsors of the Rockland PLUS program are Frank and Joanne Gumper, and HSBC.
Executive Quotes
Richard Tomasetti, chairman, Thornton Tomasetti Foundation
“The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation is overjoyed at the chance to teach today’s bright young minds. The PLUS Program provides students with the opportunity to showcase their passion and talents as they search for alternative ways to revitalize their communities. We look forward to the December presentations.”
Supporting Materials
About The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation (www.ThorntonTomasettiFoundation.org)
The Thornton Tomasetti Foundation, a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization established in February 2008, has two primary missions including funding fellowships, scholarships and internships for undergraduate students, and those planning to pursue graduate studies in building engineering, design or technology and providing financial support for individuals and organizations pursuing philanthropic activities related to building engineering, design or technology. Key elements of the program are college scholarships, traveling internships, and grants to, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations.
About The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, a member of The Earth Institute at Columbia University, is one of the world's leading research centers seeking fundamental knowledge about the origin, evolution and future of the natural world. More than 300 research scientists study the planet from its deepest interior to the outer reaches of its atmosphere, on every continent and in every ocean. From global climate change to earthquakes, volcanoes, nonrenewable resources, environmental hazards and beyond, Observatory scientists provide a rational basis for the difficult choices facing humankind in the planet's stewardship. www.ldeo.columbia.edu
Contact
Great Ink Communications - 212-741-2977
Eric Gerard, egerard@greatink.com
Lindsay Church, lindsay@greatink.com
Thornton Tomasetti - 917-661-7800
James M. Kent, JKent@ThorntonTomasetti.com