2019 Olympic Alcoa Scholars
Entering its sixth year, the Alcoa Scholars program provides an opportunity for students from around the world to explore the wonder of Olympic and Yosemite National Parks through a two-week journey of backpacking, studying biodiversity and climate change and exploring environmental issues with fellow peers. Developed to inspire the next generation of global environmental leaders and funded entirely by Alcoa Foundation, the program selects participants based on their environmental interest and their motivation to make an impact in their home communities. This year, 63 students have been selected, 30 of whom will be enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest in Olympic.
We're thrilled to welcome our first group of Olympic Alcoa Scholars in less than one week! On July 14, 2019, scholars from around the world will arrive to our NatureBridge campus on Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park to prepare for a multi-day backpacking adventure.
Alcoa Scholars in Olympic National Park #
The first program will consist of two trail groups, comprised of 10 students each. One trail group will begin their journey in the Hoh Rain Forest and end in the Sol Duc River Valley. The other trail group will start in the Quinault Rain Forest, hike through Enchanted Valley, and out along the Dosewallips River. Each journey is spectacular and will include between five and 10 miles of hiking each day.
By the time they hit the backcountry, Alcoa Scholars will have checked their gear and learned how to pack their bags, how to set up a tent and how to use a whisper lite backpacking stove. Once on the trail, the students will master “Expedition Behavior,” which includes setting up camp, staying warm at night and keeping things dry.
Throughout the journey, learned skills will include:
- Leadership skills
- Boot Lacing/blister prevention
- Group travel techniques
- Basic and advanced cooking skills
- Personal hygiene in the backcountry
- Treating water in the backcountry and how to stay hydrated
With pre-trip readings under their belt, participants will take part in student-designed investigations focused on biodiversity, climate change and environmental leadership. These topics will from forest ecology, water quality and soil science to the impact of visitors on park landscapes while hiking in the backcountry. And perhaps most importantly, while exploring Olympic, learning about the environment and gaining important skills, these Alcoa Scholars will simultaneously be building a community and fostering life-long relationships.
I’m most excited about meeting new people, who despite all the cultural differences have the same passion as me: the environment.Alcoa Scholar Borbála Felföldi
Alcoa Scholars Through the Years #
Since its inception in 2014, the Alcoa Scholars program has seen nearly 300 high school students experience the life-changing adventure. Karly Lent is one of those students. In 2015, Karly hopped on a plane to California, never having backpacked in her life. She joined students from all over the world, whom she had never met, to backpack through the Olympic wilderness, learning life-changing lessons as they went. Four years later, the impact of the program still resonates.
"Overall, I have more respect for the environment from that trip. Because I was completely immersed in nature, I truly got to know and understand the importance of preservation and my carbon footprint," she said. "...I try to relay the messages I learned to family and friends whenever I can so that they can do their part in being a positive environmental steward."
Throughout each program this summer, we'll be sharing regular updates on our social media platforms. Be sure to follow along the #AlcoaScholars journey by following us @naturebridge on Twitter and Instagram.
Stories
2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz
At NatureBridge, we celebrate the stewards of today and foster the development of the stewards of tomorrow, working to inspire environmental stewardship in all our participants. Our goal is to motivate our students to make waves and be changemakers in their communities and for our planet.
Each year, NatureBridge honors a student who has demonstrated leadership, growth and a commitment to protecting our natural world as a result of their participation in a NatureBridge program. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on Thursday, May 16 at our Golden Gate campus.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz.
An Interview with Evening Outside Keynote Speaker Dr. Britt Wray
The minute we found out about the work of Dr. Britt Wray, we knew we wanted to learn more about her. A well-respected author and scientist, Dr. Wray possesses expertise in an area of research we talk about a lot at NatureBridge—specifically how we can be resilient, hopeful, and actionable amid a changing world, including the climate crisis. We’re thrilled that Dr. Wray will be joining us on May 16 for An Evening Outside with NatureBridge as our Featured Speaker. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to ask her a few questions relating to her work and her connection to the mission of NatureBridge.
Staff Spotlight: Appreciation for Miho Aida
Miho Aida (she/they) has held multiple roles at NatureBridge over the past twenty-four years, including Environmental Science Educator, Community Connection Coordinator, Field Staff Scientist, Marine Project Coordinator, Pacific Rim Environmental Education Specialist, Armstrong Scholars Educator, Diversity Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Manager, and Director of Equity and Inclusion. Now, on the eve of Miho's departure, we asked them to reflect on their time at NatureBridge and share a bit about their upcoming adventures.