The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is now accepting applications for the Ohio Geology License Plate Fund grant program that helps support graduate students conducting geologic research in the state.

The program was established in 2012 and is funded through renewals of the Ohio Rocks! license plates offered by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The revenue generated is used to promote earth science education and outreach throughout the state.

“Although Ohio was first mapped in 1870, there is still much we are learning about Ohio’s geology,” said ODNR Division of Geological Survey Chief and State Geologist Tom Serenko. “This is an exciting time to be a geologist as we continue to gather more information about Ohio’s geology and answer questions about the earth that lies beneath our feet. We hope that the funds from this program will be used to continue to gain a better understanding of Ohio’s geology.”

Beginning in spring 2016, the ODNR Division of Geological Survey will award two $1,200 grants to earth science students at Ohio colleges and universities for graduate-level research on Ohio’s geology. The awards will be selected on the quality of the student applications, their professors’ letters of reference and the relevancy of the research.

The deadline for application submission is Jan. 15, 2016. The application and complete submission guidelines can be found at geosurvey.ohiodnr.gov/Portals/geosurvey/PDFs/OhioRocks/Ohio-Rocks_Grant-App-2016.pdf.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.

Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.