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2008-2009 Awards, Career Preparation, Contests & Grant Opportunities
The following is a list of awards and recognition programs, career preparation and work experience activities, contests, grants, and other opportunities related to environmental and outdoor education. This list will be updated as more opportunities arise, so check it often.
(Note: Adobe PDF format documents linked on this page require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, available from http://www.Adobe.com)
Awards & Recognition Programs
Youth Incentive Award Program (Entomology – Beetles)
What: The Coleopterists Society provides two cash awards of $150, and up to $200 (Junior Award) and $400 (Senior Award) of equipment credit from the BioQuip Products catalog, plus a one year subscription to the society journal, The Coleopterists Bulletin to recognize young people studying beetles – the most diverse organisms on earth (one out of every 4 animal species is a beetle!)
Open to: Youth in grades 7 to 12th.
Application deadline: December 15, 2008
Find out more at: http://www.coleopsoc.org/default.asp?Action=Show_SocietyInfo&ID=Youth
Award for Exemplary Service
What: The Hitachi Foundation Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community recognizes ten high school seniors from around the United States, who have displayed exemplary service and community involvement.
Open to: High School Seniors
Application deadline: April 1, 2009
Find out more at: http://www.hitachifoundation.org/yoshiyama/index.html
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
What: his award for young heroes honors outstanding young leaders who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet. Nominees must have been in a leadership role of a service activity and demonstrated positive spirit and high moral purpose in accomplishing their goals. Winners of the Barron Prize each receive $2,000 to be applied to their higher education or to their service project.
Open to: Young people ages 8 to 18 can be nominated by responsible adults who have solid knowledge of a young person’s heroic activities, and who are not related to the nominee.
Application deadline:
April 30, 2009
Find out more at: http://www.barronprize.org/
President's Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA)
What: This award recognizes young people across America for environmental projects that show their commitment to the environment. (A Michigan 4-H’er won this award in 2005!) To apply submit evidence of a completed project and an application to your regional EPA office.
Open to: Students from all 50 states and the U.S. territories. Student applicants must be sponsored by an adult.
Application deadline: October 31, 2009
Find out more at: http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/peya/index.html
Career Preparation & Work Experience Activities
Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
What: Students selected for this program are matched with a professional mentor in their area for a summer-long, hands-on experience in a marine or freshwater setting. A $3000 scholarship is awarded to each student accepted into the program.
Open to: All students in grades 10, 11 and 12.
Application deadline: February 16, 2009
Find out more at: http://www.fisheries.org/
National Youth Science Camp
Date & Location: July 1 to July 25, 2009, at Camp Pocahontas (also known as Camp Thornwood) just outside of Bartow, West Virginia
What: The National Youth Science Camp is an intense three-week camp for young scientists the summer after they graduate from high school. In a rustic setting, students from around the country are challenged academically in exciting lectures and hands-on studies, and have many opportunities to push themselves physically in an extensive outdoor program, gain a new and deep appreciation for the great outdoors, and establish friendships that last a lifetime. This is an all-expenses-paid program including transportation.
Open to: High school seniors who have or who will graduate from high school between July 2008 and June 2009.
Application deadline: February 2009
Find out more at: http://www.nysc.org/
Earthwatch Institute
What: Earthwatch Institute provides opportunities for high school and college-age students to become volunteers on worldwide expeditions where they work side-by-side with scientists. This is a great chance to gain first-hand experience. Expeditions focus on a variety of topics ranging from rainforest ecology to archaeology.
Find out more at: http://www.earthwatch.org/site/pp.asp?c-dsJSK6PFJnH&b=393397
MSU Career Planning Resources
What: The MSU Career Services and Placement web site provides career exploration resources that can help you decide on a major or career.
Find out more at: http://www.csp.msu.edu
MSU College Planning Resources
What: Planning for college during middle school and early high school years will help you determine not only your career goals, but also what type of college experience will best suit your needs, interests and expectations. College planning information for middle and high school aged students can be found on the MSU Admissions page called “MSU's College Planning Guide."
Find out more at: http://admissions.msu.edu/admission/highschool.asp
MSU Pre-College Programs
Experience MSU early by attending one or more pre-college programs.
Michigan 4-H Youth Development offers the three listed below:
- 4-H Capitol Experience
Dates & Location: March 22 to 25, 2009, in Lansing
What: This MSU pre-college program explores civic engagement and public policy in Lansing. You’ll discover a citizen’s role in the state government, network with other students, explore new careers and much more!
Cost: $275 for adults and current 4-H members; $285 for those not in 4-H.
Open to: High school students and adult chaperones.
Registration deadline: February 6, 2009
Find out more at: http://web1.msue.msu.edu/cyf/youth/capexp.html
- 4-H Exploration Days
Dates & Location: June 24 to 26, 2009, at Michigan State University
What: This MSU pre-college program gives young people a chance to experience college life, learn new ideas and skills, and meet people from across Michigan.
Open to: Youth aged 11 and up and adult chaperones.
Cost: 2009 price TBA (2008 cost was $165 for current 4-H members; $175 for those not in 4-H.)
Registration deadline: May 1, 2009
Find out more at: The registration book will be available online at http://web1.msue.msu.edu/cyf/youth/expodays.html and from county MSU Extension offices by mid-March.
- 4-H Great Lakes & Natural Resources Camp
Dates & Location: August 2 to 8, 2009, at Camp Chickagami in Presque Isle County
What: This MSU pre-college program teaches youth about Michigan’s diverse natural resources and the Great Lakes ecosystems.
Open to: 70 teens who are aged 13 to 15 by July 1, 2009.
Cost: 2009 price TBA (2008 cost was $285 for current 4-H members; $295 for those not in 4-H.)
Registration deadline: May 1, 2009; registrations will be accepted with a $25 late fee if space is still available after May 1 through June 15, 2009.
Find out more at: http://web1.msue.msu.edu/msue/cyf/youth/glnrc.html
Find more at http://www.spartanyouth.msu.edu/.
RISE (Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment)
What: RISE is a residential program for MSU students interested in the environment. RISE provides an opportunity for students who have been active in environmental issues in high school to pursue their interests in college. The program offers students a close-knit community of learners with shared academic and career goals within the larger context of the university. As a RISE scholar, students will live and participate in environmental activities with other students interested in the environment on the RISE floors in Hubbard Hall. You’ll take classes and study together with other RISE students in special reserved sections of math, chemistry, biology and ATL. RISE scholars will receive free tutoring in math and chemistry, and receive career development updates and advising on environmental internships, summer jobs, research positions, conferences and seminars through the RISE program office. You’ll also work toward completing a specialization in environmental studies.
Find out more at: http://naturalscience.msu.edu/students/rise/
Contests
Envirothon
What: Any clubs with high school age 4-H members interested in science and technology or environmental and outdoor education should consider the Michigan Envirothon program. Envirothon is an opportunity for teens to learn more about earth science and natural resources through team studies and interaction with professionals and specialists in each field of study as they train for regional and state competitions. This contest offers high school students the chance to become experts in seven different subject areas as they train for annual regional and state competitions.
Open to: Groups of three to five high school students with up to four alternates and one adult leader or teacher.
Registration deadline/Cost: Early bird registration fee: $80 (September to December, 1, 2008)
Registration fee: $100 (December 2, 2008 to February 13, 2009)
Late registration fee: $120 (February 14 to March 1, 2009)
Find out more at: www.michiganenvirothon.org
Resources: Envirothon Brochure 
2009 Envirothon Manual
4-H Honey Bee Essay Contest
What: This national essay contest offers cash prizes of $250, $100 and $50 to the top three winners. Each state winner will also receive an appropriate book.
Open to: 4-H members only. (Those who have placed first, second or third at the national level are not eligible.)
Essay deadline: Essays must be submitted to the State 4-H Office by February 3, 2009. Send to Judy Ratkos, MSU, 160 Agriculture Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039.
Find out more at: http://entomology.ucdavis.edu/faculty/mussen/2009_4H_Essay_Contest.pdf. The essay topic and other requirements are listed there.
Grants
4-H Legacy Grants (formerly County Innovative Grants)
What: The purpose of the Michigan 4-H Legacy grants is to encourage creativity and support the implementation of great ideas that promote positive youth development in communities. A total of (2) two $1,000 grants are available for Michigan 4-H volunteers, 4-H youth members and 4-H staff members, to develop a new program or initiative or to strengthen, enhance or expand a current program that’s making a difference.
Open to: 4-H groups and individuals in any programming area.
Application deadline: July 20, 2009
For programs conducted Oct. 1 to Apr. 30, grant reports due to the State 4-H Office on May 31, 2009.
For programs conducted May 1 to Aug. 30, grant reports due to the State 4-H Office on September 30, 2009.
Find out more at: http://www.mi4hfdtn.org/county/countygrants.html.
4-H On-Target County Grants
What: This grant program is designed to enhance existing county 4-H shooting sports programs, develop new programs or support a special experience related to 4-H shooting sports. Grants are awarded at a minimum of $500 on a first-apply, first-accepted basis.
Open to: 4-H groups or counties with interest in 4-H Shooting Sports programming.
Application deadline: July 20, 2009
For programs conducted Oct. 1 to Apr. 30, grant reports due to the State 4-H Office on May 31, 2009.
For programs conducted May 1 to Aug. 30, grant reports due to the State 4-H Office on September 30, 2009.
Find out more at: http://www.mi4hfdtn.org/county/countygrants.html
FishAmerica Foundation Conservation Grant
What: This program funds hands-on, action-oriented conservation projects that have clear and identifiable benefits to sport fishing populations and the sport of fishing. The grant provides an average of $7,500.
Open to: Nonprofit organizations such as sporting clubs, civic associations, conservation groups and more.
Applications are accepted year-round with a 9- to 12-month review period.
Find out more at: http://www.fishamerica.org/grants/
Five Star Restoration Matching Grants Program
What: These grants are designed to support community-based wetland, riparian and coastal habitat restoration projects.
Open to: Applicant groups should ideally include partnerships among five organizations who contribute funding, land, technical assistance, workforce support or other in-kind services. Examples of partners include schools, youth organizations, local or tribal governments, universities and cooperative extension districts, local businesses or corporations, conservation groups, state and federal resource management agencies, and foundations or other funders.
Application deadline: February 16, 2009
Find out more at: Five Star Restoration Matching Grants Program
Integration of GIS Grants for U.S. 4-H Groups
What: Offering grants to support its geospatial outreach, education, and community involvement efforts. The goal of this program is to foster and support the integration of geographic information system (GIS) software in U.S. 4-H clubs.
Open to: State recognized 4-H groups
Application deadline: December 1 each year
Find out more at: http://www.esri.com/industries/k-12/4-h/grants.html
The Nature of Learning Grants Program
What: This community-based conservation education initiative uses national wildlife refuges as outdoor classrooms and enhances natural resource stewardship in communities. Programs must involve a partnership among one or more local schools, community groups (such as a 4-H club) and a national wildlife refuge. Letters of support from the refuge manager and a school administrator are strongly encouraged. Grants of up to $5000 will be awarded on a competitive basis to support startup expenses associated with new programs.
Open to: Schools and nonprofit organizations
Application deadline: June 2009
Find out more at: http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Browse_All_Programs
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
What: This program honors young volunteers. Local honorees receive a certificate of recognition from their school or organization. State honorees receive $1000 award, an engraved silver medallion and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for national recognition events. National honorees receive an additional $5000 award, an engraved gold medallion and a trophy for their school or organization.
Open to: Students in grades 5 to 12 who have volunteered during the past 12 months
Application deadline: end of October each year
Find out more at: http://www.prudential.com/spirit
Sea World, Busch Gardens & Fuji Film Environmental Excellence Awards
What: This program recognizes students’ work in protecting and preserving the environment at the grass roots level. Prizes include $10,000 for each group, $5,000 for one teacher or leader, and an all-expenses-paid trip to a recognition event in California.
Open to: Groups of students in grades kindergarten to 12, and teachers. Eight groups of students and one teacher will be selected.
Application deadline: end of November each year
Find out more at: http://www.seaworld.org/conservation-matters/eea/index.htm
Volunteer Stream Monitoring Grants
What: MiCorps provides grants for water quality monitoring in streams and rivers that can be safely waded. The grants may be used to fund a local monitoring coordinator or to purchase water quality monitoring supplies or both. MiCorps will provide training to the grantees, and the data they gather will be used by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Open to: Local units of government and nonprofit entities
Application deadline: December 1 each year
Find out more at: http://www.micorps.net/streamgrants.html
Contact
Information
For more information on
how to get involved as a youth
or volunteer,
contact your county MSU Extension
office or:
Judy Ratkos, Program Leader
CYFC/4-H Youth Development
Michigan State University
160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
USA
Phone: 517-432-7613
Fax: 517-355-6748
Email: ratkos@msu.edu
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University
Last Updated: January 15, 2009
Last Reviewed: February 27, 2008
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