NatureBridge Announces Wells Fargo Scholarships for Teens in California’s Central Valley (2014)

With a grant from the Northern and Central California Region of the Wells Fargo Foundation, NatureBridge is proud to offer scholarship funding for high school students in California’s Central Valley 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. The course offers the ultimate teen summer science adventure. Students work with NatureBridge educators and produce their own field-based research project. These explorations deepen their understanding of the Sierra Nevada ecosystem and empower students to think critically about the world around them.

High school students from Kings, Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, 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.”

Students may choose from 3 sessions in the summer of 2014: June 29 through July 12, July 13 through July 26, or July 27 through August 9. Students, teachers, or community leaders interested in the program are encouraged to contact NatureBridge directly at 209-379-9511 extension 19 or yosemitefieldresearch@naturebridge.org. 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 visit naturebridge.org/wellsfargoscholars. The Wells Fargo Scholars project is one of multiple NatureBridge programs generously supported by a $75,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation.