Programs Students Student Challenge Step into your future Calling all students in Years 10, 11 and 12 with a sense of adventure and burn to contribute to real-world environmental issues! Full scholarships are available for you to join in week-long research expeditions during your school holidays. You’ll live and work in the field alongside Earthwatch scientists, doing hands-on research work like surveying fauna and flora, and monitoring carbon and water. As well as contributing directly to conservation research, you’ll increase your environmental and scientific acumen, learn about careers and future pathways, and make friends with other action-oriented students. Watch this space for 2022 programs! We don't have any open programs at the moment, but we are busy planning for 2022, so keep an eye out for exciting opportunities. Email us at [email protected] to register interest. Jessica Peart, Sailing for Seagrass expedition 2015 "The scientists and field operation managers at Earthwatch really gave us full control of our expedition; they allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the data collection and analysis which, as a 17-year-old kid I had never been given such a large responsibility. As well as collecting data, being in the spectacular environment of Moreton Bay, surrounded by prestigious scientists and like-minded people the Student Challenge really provided me my first look into the scientific community and vast ranges of careers in science. The whole experience is one that I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life. During my time at University, my Student Challenge experience helped steer my studies in the direction of environmental conservation. My time with Earthwatch has taught and continues to teach me the importance of creating an inclusive scientific community where everyone can feel welcome to contribute to a sustainable future for our planet." Joe Buden, Ecosystems of the Murray and Mallee expedition 2018 "I went on the April 2018 expedition to Calperum Station, and I want to say thank you. That experience has really redefined my relationship with the Australian environment, my sort of fundamental philosophy on it. I've realised that Australia is a nation very fundamentally rooted in our landscape, that our national soul is built on it. That in every Australian story, from Ned Kelly to Red Dog, the Land is a character, that there is a reason we sing "I am the rock, I am the sky, the rivers when they run." That very close physical interaction and experience with the country I experienced on Earthwatch has built that within me. I honestly dream of travelling to Tasmania and seeing, touching, the Centurion Tree. I've also realised that the national soul is under threat. That environmental policy is on the path to annihilate the foundation of our national myths, and leave our next generation a nation utterly removed from it's own spirit. As of last friday, I led more than forty people from my school to attend the school walkout in Melbourne. Slowly, steadily, you are making a difference, and so from the bottom of my heart I have to say thank you, so much to everyone at Earthwatch. That expedition has also helped me grow some of my strongest friends, however far they may be, I'm even looking into travel options over the next couple of months to see them again." Chayton Barber, Australia's Vanishing Frogs expedition 2017 I’m so glad I was accepted for the Earthwatch expedition last year, without it I never would have been involved in what I have since. It sparked a great fire in me. It gave me focus onto what I wanted to achieve in my life, at a time when I was needing to choose a path. And guess what? I’ve just got into a Bachelor's degree at Macquarie University for Biodiversity and Conservation Science! I can’t thank you enough for last year. Michela Skipp, Australia's Vanishing Frogs expedition 2018 "The experience was absolutely amazing and has been a journey I will not forget. I came away from the trip with a profound new knowledge about ecology and mathematics, and gained a new perspective and appreciation for our natural environment. I think going forward it is increasingly important for us to be doing new research and have more work in the environmental and ecology sectors as they are both very much threatened by human impacts." Ayla Allan, Ecosystems of the Murray and Mallee expedition 2018 “This expedition has just set off a spark. I have never really had the opportunity to make a difference like I have always wanted to. But now I know how easy it is to get out there and how addictive it is to do the right thing."