Armstrong Scholars
The Armstrong Scholars Program seeks to inspire all young women, ages 15-18, to reach their highest potential, develop a stronger sense of self and explore their personal connection to nature during a 12-day wilderness backpacking adventure in Yosemite’s High Sierra. Individuals from different cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, LGBTQIA+, and socioeconomic communities come together for an expedition of discovery, leadership and personal challenge. There are many ways to identify as a woman and all of those ways are welcome on this program!
This program is inspired by and in memory of former NatureBridge environmental science educator Joie Armstrong.
Applications for Summer 2026 are due April 13, 2026.
Apply
Thirteen participants will be chosen based on the strength of their applications and the recommendations of supportive educators and community leaders.
You can also submit the application materials below to armstrongscholars@naturebridge.org.
I feel incredible to know I can climb over mountains and out of valleys figuratively and literally. I feel not like a new person, but confident in the person I always was.MJ, 2025 Armstrong Scholar
Donation
Former NatureBridge educator Joie Armstrong was a bright light to all who knew her. Your support of the Armstrong Scholars program ensures her spirit, strength and passion for the outdoors lives on in the young women who participate each year.
Program Fees
Through the generosity of donors, we are able to offer this program for a fee of $150 per participant. The remaining program cost of $2,400 per scholar is supported by donations given in honor of Joie Armstrong's life and legacy.
Additional scholarships are available to offset this cost and basic backpacking gear is available for loan during the program. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Yosemite campus of NatureBridge.
Armstrong Scholars
Joie Armstrong
Joie was full of laughter and love, creativity and spunk; she gifted the world with her glowing smile and warm heart. We will remember her as a young woman who had a tremendous enthusiasm for life and a deep desire to give of herself for the betterment of the world around her.
As Joie once said, "My passion lies with teaching children about their environment and I have dedicated all of my efforts toward it." That passion for teaching and her creative spirit inspired this powerful program.
My advice to future Armstrong Scholars would be to lean into it—every joy, every hardship, every laugh, every cry, everything—and soak it up. Carry Joie’s spirit with you wherever you go. Armstrong Scholars is a once in a lifetime experience, but the memories and lessons last a lifetime.2025 Armstrong Scholar
Contact Us
Kim Laizer
Education Manager, Yosemite
t: 209-379-5202
e: armstrongscholars@naturebridge.org
PO Box 194
El Portal, CA 95318