Environmental Leadership in Alaska, Student Trip

Be a leader in tackling the global environmental challenges faced by the world community. Study in one of the most spectacular places on Earth. Help to bring about environmental awareness in your school and community.

Special leadership program for high school students and their teachers.

In the summer of 2010, a select number of high school delegations from throughout the U.S. will have the opportunity to take part in a fun, rewarding and hands-on program of learning and adventure within Alaska's spectacular Denali National Park. The program is designed for all students interested in the environment, and will cover current issues of global climate change, include hands-on experience in the field, and introduce topics like environmental leadership. Through their participation, students and teachers who participate will have the opportunity to earn academic credit at the college and graduate levels.

The Setting

Home to some of the most fragile and complex ecosystems on the Planet, Alaska has been among the first places in the world to feel the full effects of climate change. The state's biomes, wildlife habitats, and interdependent ecosystems are being intensively studied as scientists evaluate the current impacts, and long term outlook of global warming.

Participating students and teachers will study glacial retreat in visits to actual Alaskan glaciers, learn about changes in the complex tundra ecosystem hands-on in Denali Park, journey to pristine areas of Denali to view wildlife, and take part in discussion groups and a variety of outdoor adventure activities.

Outcomes, and the Future

Participants will emerge with a working knowledge of some of the Planet's most pressing environmental issues, hands-on experience studying them in a sensitive real world setting, and the opportunity to enhance their experience with university level academic credit.

The Global Environmental Leadership program is designed to serve as a springboard for students and teachers interested in issues of the environment, sustainability and climate change. Through their program activities, they will have the skills and real world experience to share information with their peers about global environmental issues, including climate change, and if they choose, become leaders in advocating for change within their own communities.