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2008 Awards & Recognition Programs, Career Preparation & Work Experience Activities, Contests, Grants & Publications
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.
Awards & Recognition Programs
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, 2008
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, 2008
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, 2008
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 15, 2008
Find out more at: http://www.fisheries.org/
National Youth Science Camp
Date & Location: June 29 to July 26, 2008, 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 2007 and June 2008.
Application deadline: February 18, 2008
Find out more at: http://www.nysc.org/
AIMS (ANR Institute for Multicultural Students)
Dates & Location: July 13 to 18, 2008, at Michigan State University
What: This one-week program is designed to give minority high school students broad exposure to the food and agricultural sciences, natural resources and related fields. Students live on campus and participate in demonstrations, tours and other hand-on activities. They can also participate in other educational, cultural and social activities. AIMS is free, though students are responsible for providing their own transportation to MSU.
Open to: Multicultural students in grades 9, 10 and 11 who are interested in agriculture and natural resource industries.
Application deadline: April 4, 2008
Find out more at: http://www.canr.msu.edu/undergraduatediversity/Aimsinfo.html
MAP: Multicultural Apprenticeship Program
Dates & Location: June 29 to August 8, 2008, at Michigan State University
What: MAP is designed to give high school students the opportunity to experience college life and the many exciting educational and career opportunities in agricultural and food sciences, natural resources and related fields. During the six-week program students will participate in field trips, leadership seminars and a number of other educational, social and cultural activities. MAP is free, though students are responsible for providing their own transportation to MSU.
Open to: Students in grades 10, 11 and 12 with a strong interest and aptitude in science, math, and other academic areas.
Application deadline: April 4, 2008
Find out more at: http://www.canr.msu.edu/undergraduatediversity/infomap.html
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 9 to 12, 2008, 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: $225 for adults and current 4-H members; $265 for those not in 4-H.
Open to: High school students and adult chaperones.
Registration deadline: February 1, 2008
Find out more at: http://web1.msue.msu.edu/cyf/youth/capexp.html
- 4-H Exploration Days
Dates & Location: June 18 to 20, 2008, 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: $165 for current 4-H members; $175 for those not in 4-H.
Registration deadline: May 2, 2008
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: July 27 to August 2, 2008, 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, 2008.
Cost: $285 for current 4-H members; $295 for those not in 4-H.
Registration deadline: May 1, 2008; registrations will be accepted with a $25 late fee if space is still available after May 1 through June 16, 2008.
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: 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.
Application deadline: Teams can register before February 15, 2008, for $100.
Find out more at: www.michiganenvirothon.org
4-H Beekeeping 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 20, 2008. Send to Judy Ratkos, MSU, 160 Agriculture Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039.
Find out more at: http://www.honeybeepreservation.org/. The essay topic and other requirements are listed there.
Horticulture & Entomology Contest
Date & Location: July 11, 2008 (tentative), at Michigan State University.
What: Contest about horticulture and entomology knowledge.
Open to: Youth aged 5 to 19.
Cost: $5 per contest.
(tentative)
Application deadline: July 3, 2008
Find out more at: Your county MSU Extension office in spring 2008 or contact Dixie Sanborn at sandbord@msu.edu, phone 517-355-5191, ext. 1404.
NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest
What: The contest, the 20th in the annual series, recognizes youth for their artistic capabilities in portraying wildlife in three different age categories. Winners in each grade category will receive $500. Second-place finishers will receive $250, and the third-place award will be $100.
Open to: Youth in grades 1 through 12 (including home-schooled children).
Application deadline: October 2008 (exact date to be determined)
Find out more at: http://www.nrahq.org/youth/wildlife.asp
Grants
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.
Pre-proposal deadline: 5 p.m. on July 1, 2008
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 15, 2008
Find out more at: http://www.naco.org/Template.cfm?Section=New_Technical_Assistance&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=18449
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: February 28, 2008
Find out more at: http://www.esri.com/industries/k-12/4-h/grants.html
Legacy Fund Grants
What: This grant program is administered by the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Those with environmental and outdoor education interests may wish to consider land, water, fish and wildlife community service projects. Grants are awarded at a minimum of $500 on a first-apply, first-accepted basis.
Open to: 4-H groups and individuals in any programming area.
Application deadline: July 20, 2008
Find out more at: http://www.mi4hfdtn.org/county/countygrants.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 1, 2008
Find out more at: http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Browse_All_Programs
On Target 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.
Applications deadline: July 20, 2008
Find out more at: http://www.mi4hfdtn.org/county/countygrants.html
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: TBA - tentatively end of October
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: November 30, 2008
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, 2008
Find out more at: http://www.micorps.net/streamgrants.html
Publications
Michigan 4-H Today
Submission deadline for the fall 2008 issue: July 7, 2008
Send submissions to: Editor, Michigan 4-H Today, 312 Agriculture Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039, e-mail lavra@msu.edu.
Contact
Information
For more information on
how to get involved as a youth
or volunteer,
contact your county MSU Extension
office or:
Judy A. Ratkos, Program Leader
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: February 27. 2008
Last Reviewed: February 27, 2008
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