The educational activities undertaken on Earth Explore programs allow students the unique opportunity to earn either high school or college level credit.  This credit can be an impressive part of the student's permanent record.

Academic Credit - The Basics

Earth Explore educational programs are fully accredited by Araura College's Pacific Studies Outreach Center, and all academic content is reviewed by the 501 (c)(3) Earth Explore Foundation.  Our program content is based upon national curriculum standards, and reviewed for academic excellence.  Parents can be sure that the hands-on educational experience offered by Earth Explore is second to none. 

The solid science and cultural curriculum of our adventures means students are eligible to earn high school, and even college credit (7th grade and higher). This unique opportunity gives students the chance to apply their knowledge and experiences in a very tangible way, and gain an academic "step-up" when applying to college.  Each student need only do the work as described in the course outline, and be favorably evaluated by their Leader, to be eligible for credit.

Your District

Parents and educators should check with their own district to determine their policies for accepting and applying high school credit earned on educational field study programs.  Credit hours earned on an Earth Explore program are standard Carnegie Credit and represent 90 hours of study, however districts have full discretion in accepting, or not accepting the credit based upon their own district policies.  If a district declines to accept field study credit, the student's Earth Explore credit transcript is still part of the student's official record.  As an alternative, students who have completed the 7th grade at the time of travel can elect to earn college credit through their program, which is awarded through Eastern Washington University's Division for International and Educational Outreach.

Earth Explore's academic program is the equivalent of a high school semester course. In addition, students who participate successfully can earn service learning hours, which range up to 30 hours for completion of the program. Service learning hours are increasingly important as a required component of high school work, and are also recognized by colleges during the admissions process.

All of the student’s work is submitted for review following the conclusion of the program. Once the student has successfully completed the course assignments, a credit transcript is forwarded by the credit office, and can be added to the student’s official academic transcripts beginning in the 9th grade.