APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 15; 2024 program dates are June 24-28
Ohio River Foundation (ORF), along with Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE), Sanitation District No. 1 (SD1), and Thomas More University Biological Field Station (TMU) are offering a summer conservation course for high school students in the greater Cincinnati area that allows students to get outside and explore careers in aquatic conservation.
This is a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience in ecology, research, environmental engineering, and water quality and habitat monitoring for high school students (9-12 grades). The week-long course will focus on career exploration, hands-on biology fieldwork, habitat restoration, networking with diverse professionals, and fun and adventure exploring the Ohio River and its tributaries. Participants will wade in the water collecting live specimens and fish, test water chemistry, go electrofishing, climb aboard a riverboat cruise, get their hands dirty removing invasive plants, kayak, and so much more.
This diverse collaboration of partners allows students to explore many different avenues of aquatic conservation careers and the hands-on experience to learn what it takes to be an environmental steward. Through this course, students can discover their power to lead their school and community toward conservation solutions.
“This is an excellent opportunity for students to understand and appreciate our local aquatic habitats, the threats they face, and the positive conservation work happening every day in their community,” said Melinda Voss, ORF Education Programs Manager. “Students will gain new leadership skills and learn more about the many careers available in the field of environmental sciences. The partnership between ORF, FORE, SD1, and TMU will expose students to a wide range of inspiring work happening every day to protect our watershed.”
The Ohio River Conservation Course
The ORCC will take place from 9 am – 3 pm Monday through Friday, June 24-28, 2024. Participants will be dropped off and picked up from the SD1 parking lot in Fort Wright, Kentucky. Each day of the one-week session begins and ends at SD1. From there, participants will explore the watershed at different sites across the region to engage in hands-on ecological investigations, activities, and empowering conversations.
Student applicants must be entering 9-12 grade for the 2024-2025 school year. Applications must be received by April 15, 2024.
The course fee is $175. The course fee covers all instruction, travel, and activity expenses. Lunch and snacks are not included. Students should bring their own water and lunch each day. Scholarships are available at the link below, with priority given to students most in need.
To learn more about the Ohio River Conservation Course and collaboration, and to apply, visit ohioriverfdn.org/education-programs/orcc.