IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
The ACES Apprenticeship in Environmental Sustainability and Education is designed to introduce high school students to environmental science and education careers by apprenticing at Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES). The Roaring Fork Valley has an incredibly strong network of Drawing on the incredibly strong network of organizations focused on sustainability and environmental science, students will be exposed to a wide range of local individuals and resources. In addition to several field site visits and presentations, students will also assist in teaching environmental education programs, read and discuss articles, write daily journal entries, and create a portfolio of work. Visit Flickr to see a slideshow of previous apprentice years.
Objectives
• Experience and learn directly from local individuals and organizations focused on environmental science and sustainability initiatives.
• Field study experiences in sustainable architecture and design, sustainable agriculture, alternative energy, and restoration ecology
• Help teach environmental education programs for children through the ACES Naturalist Field School program
• Read and discuss articles and essays on environmental science, sustainability initiatives, and education
• Research and present results on a self-selected topic in sustainability science and education
Mandatory Field Study Week:
June 20-24, 2016
The apprenticeship cohort will be together during this week. Apprentices will participate in field experiences around the Roaring Fork Valley for first-hand exposure to topics in sustainability science. In past years, this has included working with the Rocky Mountain Institute, the Roaring Fork Conservancy, the Aspen Global Change Institute, and several other local initiatives. Additionally, participants experience a range of the programs available at ACES, including a visit to Rock Bottom Ranch to gain experience in sustainable agriculture education, observation of handling of the resident birds of prey to use in educational programs, participation in a Naturalist Field School and/or Naturalist adventure to learn about local plants and animals. The apprentice will also develop an individual research plan to delve into a chosen topic. Upon completion of the 2 weeks, the apprentice will present their portfolio at ACES.
Environmental Education Week:
A prescheduled week after the completed Mandatory Field Study Week (see above for details.) The focus of this week is hands-on experience with environmental education. The apprentice will assist in teaching a week-long children’s environmental education class. The apprentice will also read articles about student learning, environmental education, and more. The hands-on experience, readings, and journal reflection will provide the opportunity for the apprentice to explore the field of environmental education. Apprentices receive hands-on mentorship from ACES Education Director or ACES Environmental Science Programs Coordinator.
Tuition
$325, $275 ACES members - or - FREE if you commit to an additional week (3 weeks total commitment).
We encourage students to earn their own money to pay for this apprenticeship. Tuition fee is waived for students who commit to an additional week as an Environmental Education Assistant (assist in teaching another kids week-long environmental education class). Please indicate on your application if you are interested in the extra week option to pay for this apprenticeship by yourself.
College Credit Available
This course is offered for 2 undergraduate credits through Adams State University (for $110 additional fee which goes directly to ASU). Please let us know on your application if you're interested in taking it for credit.
Dates of Apprenticeship
Required 2-week commitment (optional 3rd week), Monday through Friday. Times to be determined, typically 8:30am-4:30pm.
• June 20-24, 2016, mandatory week - apprentice must be able to attend every day during this week.
• additional week between June 27 and August 19, 2016 - Instructor and apprentice will predetermine a week for the apprentice to help with an ACES' kids class.
Download application, fill it out and e-mail it to atrook@aspennature.org.
Apprenticeship applications for Summer 2016 are due May 1st, 2016.
