January 10, 2019
Calling young eco-warriors: apply for the trip of a lifetime
High school students aged 16-18 years are invited to apply for an all-expenses paid scientific expedition to one of two fascinating National Parks in America sponsored by Alcoa Foundation.
The two-week NatureBridge scholarship program will bring together 63 students from across the globe at the Yosemite National Park in California and Olympic National Park in Washington during July and August this year.
Students will explore the incredible UNESCO world heritage sites on a backpacking adventure, get involved in hands-on science projects and become part of a think-tank on environmental issues such as biodiversity and climate change.
Baldivis local Daniel Iversen took part in last year’s program and said he learned a lot about the environment and how simple changes can have a significant impact.
“The trip taught me just how much humans are influencing the natural environment and that it’s time to really start making changes in our lives to preserve these natural wonders,” Daniel said.
“Things like reducing plastic waste, putting the effort in to recycle and to not worry about a little dirt on your food if you drop it.”
Alcoa of Australia Managing Director Michael Parker said the NatureBridge program aimed to inspire and empower high school students to become long-term environmental stewards with strong connections to the natural world.
“We are building the next generation of sustainability ambassadors and we strongly believe that being immersed in nature while studying science will have long-term impact on these young people,” Mr Parker said.
A total of 288 scholarships have been awarded by the Alcoa Foundation since the inaugural NatureBridge expedition in 2014, 57 of them benefiting students from Western Australia.
The scholarships cover the cost of airfares, visas and the full two-week program.
Applications are open now until 4 March 2019. For more information and to apply visit https://naturebridge.org/programs/alcoa-scholars