Grace Elizabeth Groner Foundation Grant Program
In the Spirit of Service to Others
The Groner Foundation assists students in obtaining off-campus study, internship, and service opportunities. Programs are tailored to specific academic interests and career goals and include a service component along with other requirements. Students gain experiences that shape their lives while making a difference in the lives of others. James Madison’s Montpelier, Virginia Archaeology
Aidan participated in the Montpelier archaeological field school, an intensive training program on all aspects of archaeological field excavation and laboratory techniques. He worked side-by-side with staff archaeologists excavating the site of the former slave quarters on James Madison’s family plantation learning much about African American slave life and historical site interpretation.
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This internship was a perfect match for my areas of study and my career goals. The historical context of my work as well as the archaeological techniques used in fieldwork prepared me greatly for my future as an archaeologist. I truly believe that this experienced has changed my life, and without Grace’s generosity, none of it would have been possible.
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Emily Hampden-Smith ’13 Majors: Biology; Spanish
AZAFADY, Madagascar Conservation and Biodiversity
Allyson Bain ’12 Major: Communication Minors: Politics; Legal Studies
U.S. Department of Justice, Washington D.C. Civil and Disability Rights
In the Civil and Disability Rights Division at the Department of Justice, Ally worked as an investigative assistant alongside attorneys, investigators, and law students where she helped to enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act. She is now working at the Center for the Constitution at James Madison’s Montpelier in Virginia with the support of a Grace Groner fellowship.
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Through the Groner Foundation’s support of my internship, I have found what I want to do with my life: work for the United States Department of Justice to secure civil rights for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
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Aidan Price ’13 Majors: Sociology and Anthropology; History
Ashley Gora ’14 Majors: Spanish; International Relations
ASADA Monteverde Institute, Costa Rica Water Conservation and Community Development
Ashley’s internship in Costa Rica provided numerous opportunities to understand and get hands-on experience in the sustainable management of resources, particularly water conservation, through education,applied research, and community engagement.
Emily’s program integrated practical hands-on conservation research on endangered lemurs with community initiatives and environmental education. Her research helped to provide an understanding in the community about the complex habitats of the lemur in an effort to preserve its environment.
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I am so thankful for the Groner Grant which allowed me to spend time volunteering in such an amazing place. Studying the behavior of lemurs and geckos was an amazing experience that was relevant to my biology major and future goals of becoming a veterinarian.
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I had never imagined how great an effect my internship in Costa Rica would have on my heart, my mind, my soul, and even my physical strength. Working closely with the community I realized that the more I gave of myself, the more I seemed to be receiving. It was truly a life-changing experience that I am very grateful to have had.
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