OREANDA-NEWS. November 20, 2013. The inaugural donations for the Airports Going Green Sustainability Education Fund were presented to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

To date, more than USD35,000 in donations have been received through a collaborative effort among the Chicago Department of Aviation, the American Association of Airport Executives, and a continuously growing network of generous sponsors, all of whom are interested in promoting education and sustainability.

Created in conjunction with the annual Airports Going Green conference, the Fund goes beyond the mission of the conference itself to support lasting impacts in sustainable airport design, construction and operations, as well as in local and global environmental quality and education.

Mayor Emanuel addresses attendees of the Airports Going Green conference after announcing the Sustainability Education Fund with Commissioner Andolino.

The Fund provides opportunities for students through academic scholarships at City Colleges of Chicago campuses and other local universities. These scholarships will be awarded to eligible students pursuing studies in sustainability and related fields, including green construction, energy-efficient infrastructure management, green technology development, and sustainable agriculture.

"These opportunities further Mayor Emanuel's mission to enrich the lives and education of Chicago youth, as well as to develop the next generation of sustainability leaders," said Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino.

These scholarships are made possible through generous donations from corporate sponsors that possess an interest in student advancement and knowledge of sustainability topics.