Earth Force and the General Motors Foundation announced Dominique Evans-Bye from Clark Magnet High School won a Chevrolet GREEN Educator Award. The award recognizes 10 outstanding educators who integrate innovative environmental education into their schools and community programs.

“We join Earth Force in honoring Ms. Evans-Bye for her work and dedication to foster the next generation of leaders,” said Vivian Pickard, president of the GM Foundation. “Educators like Ms. Evans-Bye represent the very best of our educational system, and we thank them for their leadership in engaging America’s youth as leaders.”

Evans-Bye pioneered the creation of a course titled, “Environmental GIS,” a project-based learning class to expose students in a meaningful way to research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, environmental standards, and technical documentation. The learning goes beyond technical content as students learn and practice project management skills, undertake their own scientific research projects, and learn how to conduct themselves professionally. Evans-Bye encourages students to enter their projects into environmental research competitions with great success – her students have won over $145,000 in scholarships and grants.

Her students are currently working with La Crescenta around disaster preparedness issues. They are using GIS to inventory the city’s resources in the event the area would require FEMA assistance during a disaster.

“It is an honor for Earth Force to recognize educators like Dominique for the Chevrolet GREEN Educator Award,” said Lisa Bardwell, president and CEO of Earth Force. “She has inspired and supported students to improve their communities. Each of the educators receiving this award works to advance youth-led environmental education both inside and outside of the classroom.”

Ten educators nationwide have been awarded the Chevrolet GREEN Educator award in 2012. Winners are featured on the Chevrolet GREEN Educator website, along with their teaching tools and best practices. The award honors educators who encourage youth to lead their own learning by connecting them to their communities, building local partnerships, and serving as mentors and advocates for the environment.