First National Bank recently presented Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences with $10,000 towards the Keller BLOOM and BLOOM Educators programs.

The Keller BLOOM (Bigelow Laboratory Orders Of Magnitude) Program was founded by Bigelow scientist Maureen Keller and Trustee Emeritus James McLoughlin to provide students a hands-on ocean science research experience. BLOOM offers Maine students interested in science the opportunity work alongside professional researchers, exploring the biological, chemical and geological characteristics of the local marine environment through field and laboratory work. Program participants are immersed in a research environment and engaged in field sampling and laboratory activities, including data collection, synthesis and analysis.

”First National Bank is proud to support the Keller Bloom program, educating the next generation of scientists in a community where many of our customers make their living from the sea,” said FNB President and CEO Tony C. McKim.

As an extension of Keller BLOOM, the BLOOM Educators Program offers professional development workshops for middle and high school science teachers to enhance ocean science education in Maine. During four-day summer workshops, educators spend a day in the field on a research cruise, attend seminars by Bigelow scientists and engage in hand-on laboratory activities. For more information visit www.bigelow.org