<p>Summer service on an SCA National Conservation crew in a US National Park, Forest or Wildlife area:</p>
<p>[National</a> Conservation Crews | The SCA - Student Conservation Association](<a href=“http://www.thesca.org/serve/national-crews]National”>http://www.thesca.org/serve/national-crews)</p>
<p>My East Coast son did this last summer as a rising senior and spent four weeks in the Eastern Sierra on a trail crew, sleeping in tents for a month at about 8,000 feet. He himself called it life-changing. Cost is just an application fee and transportation to and from your crew location. They suggest applications by March 1, but will accept applications until all positions are filled.</p>
<p>The Earthwatch program looks terrific for kids. Is there something like this for college-age kids? Too bad I didn’t read about this last November (“midwinter”?). Is that about when they need to apply?</p>
<p>Researcher: can you share other programs you found?</p>
<p>My D1 (high school junior) just found out that she’s received an Earthwatch student fellowships for this coming summer. </p>
<p>The application process appears to be truly holistic. D1’s grades are decent but by no means straight A’s, especially her science grades. She’s challenged herself by taking the most rigorous courses possible, even when it’s meant a significant hit to her GPA. She has no previous science research experience, and isn’t a member of her school’s well-regarded science-themed teams, many of whom also applied to the program. But apparently her enthusiasm and interest and personality came through in her essays. I know she really put a lot of effort into them.</p>
<p>We the parents are really happy about the price tag 
The program’s generosity even extends to the packing list: if a student cannot afford to purchase some of the recommended clothing or gear, Earthwatch will reimburse for that. Doesn’t apply to our family, but useful for other families to know.</p>
<p>Looks good, dig. And nice to see your post, too.</p>