Environmental issues are commonplace in the world; with industries polluting the rivers and lakes of countries, there is a growing need to address these problems.

In these new opportunities, you’ll get to work on projects that apply to current news, opening the gates to a like-minded community with pioneers in the field.

Explore the list of environmental science opportunities for high schoolers in 2024!

But first, consider signing up for the Qurios Institute Mailing List!

Here, you get updates from Rishab himself and posts of more opportunities and scholarships!

UChicago's Young Innovators Climate and Energy Program This one-week residential program provides students a window into future careers in the realm of climate and energy policy.

When accepted, you will learn about the current issues in climate and energy from the faculty in the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), the Becker Friedman Institute, and the Climate Impact Lab.

Additionally, you will be provided with the opportunities available in a large urban center, a tour and discussion panel with industrial professionals, and an introduction to a community of individuals passionate in restoring the environment.

The program is open to students in their junior year and will need to apply online with a transcript, supplement & essays, and a teacher recommendation to submit their application.

There is no application fee to apply, and the deadline is March 5th.

Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES) The TREES is a unique summer research and mentorship program offering hands-on environmental research opportunities to motivated high school students.

Each summer, approximately eight high schoolers work with their mentors to focus on projects that they choose and design.

Additionally, the scholars attend a research seminar from a professor from the University of Pennsylvania on topics in environmental health and toxicology, as well as a field trip to a place of environmental interest.

Other activities within the program include workshops on college admissions, career explorations, presentation skills, and social and cultural activities.

What's unique about this program is that students are mentored throughout the year even after the program ends.

Many students use this opportunity to present their works in science fairs, in presentations at schools, or as a way to win awards and scholarships at their schools.

Some have even published their work in scientific journals!

While this program isn't a pipeline to guaranteeing a spot into prestigious colleges, the community and the rigor of their work allow students with better chances of being accepted into said colleges.

This program closes their application pool on February 5th, 2024 at 5 pm, and release admissions decision by early April 202

4. To apply, you must have: completed grade 9, 10, or 11 by the summer

3. 0/40 GPA live in Philadelphia or surrounding area have parental consent.

This program encourages groups from underrepresented groups to apply, as it is free to apply.

The big thing about these opportunities is going out and researching and experimenting on a problem in the status quo, as well as presenting these works.

Many people can do this, but not many people know how to show and present their work properly.

If you want to win prestigious science fairs and receive recognition, check out Rishab’s A-Z Science Fair Masterclass course, designed to help you improve and win your way to the international stage!

Linc Summer High School Program Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC) is a summer program for high school students focused on community building, service learning, and exploring local communities and parklands.

This six-week program brings high schoolers from the Bay Area to provide experiences that include: Service Projects Professional development: resume building, mock interviews, and a career panel.

Opportunities to gain soft job skills like public speaking, working in a team, and practicing healthy communication.

Opportunities to experience and learn technical job skills like wildlife monitoring or habitat restoration.

Overnight trips such as camping in a National or State Park.

Practicing wildlife observation using tools like iNaturalist, field guides, and more.

Participating in team-building exercises like cooking, kayaking, or field games.

Collaborating and networking with other youth from all across the Bay Area.

Learning about your local, state, and national parks.

This program meets Tuesday

- Friday for six weeks.

At the end of the program, all participants receive up to a $2,400 stipend.

Applications are due on March 10th.

Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS) The Youth Engaged in Sustainable System provides two different programs for both high schoolers to apply to that gives you experience on exploring different green careers, help on presenting a Restoration Project Proposal, and stories from restoration professionals from federal departments and Native American tribes!

Along with a $1,800 stipend and a full science credit, the YESS student internship program is open to high schoolers in grades 9-12 interested in restoration efforts.

This program uniquely provides numerous perspectives, bringing in people from Native American tribes, professional crews, and the US Forest Service.

The applications are open through May 22nd.

Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid summer internship and mentoring program for high school students sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS).

Participating students receive a $3,000 stipend and an all-expense paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit.

Through our network of mentors, we can place students in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico within a 45-minute commute of the student’s home.

In previous summits, students had college and profession workshops, participated in a fish derby, college tours, and played a part in vegetation and crayfish planting.

This program is a great hands-on experience for students interested in aquatic science and are underrepresented groups in the profession today.

The application portal opens in November, and closes in mid-January.

Conservation Society of California's Oakland Zoo California's Oakland Zoo provides high schoolers with numerous opportunities to immerse themselves as a helper within the faculties of the zoo maintenance or animal knowledge.

Their teen summer internship has different roles for students interested in different fields, such as:

1. Guest Engagement Internship The Guest Engagement Intern provides support to guests while they are engaging with content within the Habitarium, an indoor children’s exploration museum.

The time commitment for this internship is 2 days per week.

Click here for more details about the Teen Guest Engagement Internship (Habitarium).

2. California Trail Education Internship The California Trail Education Intern provides support to Education Specialists as they engage guests within the California Trail section of Oakland Zoo.

The time commitment for this internship is 2 days per week.

3. Teen Ambassador Animal Interpretation Program Internship The Teen Ambassador Animal Interpretation Program Intern provides support to the Animal Ambassador Program Manager by assisting and leading informal educational programs throughout the zoo.

The time commitment for this internship is 2 days per week (weekdays only).

4. Facilities Maintenance Internship The Facilities Maintenance Intern provides support to the Maintenance team by assisting with necessary administrative and hands-on support associated with the upkeep and expansion of the Zoo’s facilities.

The time commitment for this internship is flexible.

The application for these internships are usually through April 1st.

Final Words If you find yourself out of luck because registration is too late, you're too young/old, or any other factor hindering you from applying, don't be afraid to look for opportunities on your own!

And to get started, one of the best ways to find one locally is to come up with your own research idea first, before going to Rishab's STEM Student Guide, which provides a guide on cold-emailing professors to receive help.

If you want to find more high school STEM competitions, check out Rishab’s video of STEM programs and competitions that covers advice coupled with tips and tricks to succeed! https://www. youtube. com/embed/h7OlgFLByK8?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent.