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NatureBridge Offers Teen Scholarships

YOSEMITE – With a grant from the Northern and Central California Region of the Wells Fargo Foundation, Yosemite National Park educational partner NatureBridge has announced it will offer scholarship funding for high school students in Madera and other counties in California’s foothills and Central Valley.

The scholarships are for a two-week backcountry science expedition in Yosemite National Park.

NatureBridge’s Summer Field Research Course gives teens the opportunity to design and carry out their own field science investigations among the deep valleys and giant sequoias in one of the most iconic national parks in the country.

NatureBridge Students Design Research Projects On Yosemite Summer Field Research Course - photo courtesy of NatureBridgeThe course offers the ultimate teen summer science adventure. Students work with NatureBridge educators and produce their own field-based research projects designed to deepen their understanding of the Sierra Nevada ecosystem and empower students to think critically about the world around them.

High school students from Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Kings, Fresno, Tulare, and Stanislaus counties can apply to be a Wells Fargo Scholar. Interested participants have the chance to receive a full or partial scholarship based on the strength of their application, a recommendation from a supportive educator or community leader, and the individual’s financial need.

“Teenagers emerge from the Summer Field Research Course knowing how to think like scientists,” said Becky Zentmyer, course director. “The course is student-centered, inquiry-based learning at its most adventurous. Students learn field research skills that can transfer to high school, college and beyond.”

NatureBridge Students in the forestStudents may choose from three sessions in the summer of 2014: June 29 – July 12, July 13 – July 26, or July 27 – Aug. 9. Students, teachers, or community leaders interested in the program are encouraged to contact NatureBridge directly at (209) 379-9511 ext. 19 or by email. Applications for Wells Fargo Scholarships will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.

NatureBridge is the largest residential environmental education partner of the National Park Service. To learn more about the Yosemite Summer Field Research Course and the Wells Fargo Scholarship program click here. The Wells Fargo Scholars project is one of multiple NatureBridge programs supported by a $75,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation.

NatureBridge Yosemite Field Science Water Quality Testing - photo courtesy of NatureBridgeFounded in 1971, NatureBridge provides environmental field science education for students and is the largest residential education partner of the National Park Service. The organization serves more than 30,000 students each year and offers programs in six national parks including Yosemite.

NatureBridge also offers professional development opportunities for teachers, and family and youth programs. NatureBridge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has partners including Clif Bar, Google, Klean Kanteen, National Geographic Education Foundation, National Parks Conservation Association, Oracle and REI. For more information, visit www.naturebridge.org.

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