Extracurriculars for a Career in Environmental Science
Environmental scientists study the natural world and how to protect it. Envirothon, field research programs, and conservation volunteering give high schoolers hands-on experience.
Find programs that fit you
Programs for a Career in Environmental Science
Why it fits: Intensive research across STEM disciplines builds core competencies for environmental science careers.
Why it fits: Students submit independent research demonstrating scientific talent applicable to environmental problem-solving.
Why it fits: Students conduct real environmental research in ecology, climate, and sustainability alongside Stanford scientists.
Why it fits: Students conduct hands-on field and lab research in water quality, watershed ecology, and environmental monitoring.
Why it fits: Program addresses environmental sciences gap and prepares students for environmental science careers.
Why it fits: Students research and communicate about outdoor and conservation topics through writing and imagery.
Why it fits: Challenge focuses on leveraging local lunar and Martian materials to enhance exploration capabilities sustainably.
Why it fits: Earth science events rotate annually, covering geology and environmental topics central to the field.
Why it fits: Advanced biology coursework and research skills from USABO support environmental science careers.
Why it fits: Research areas include environmental science, climate change, sustainable botany, coastal flooding, and urban hydrology.
Why it fits: Students conduct fieldwork on climate, ecosystems, and conservation—core activities of environmental science research.
Why it fits: STEM-D program includes hands-on environmental science experiments in the BioHaus focusing on sustainability and innovation.
Why it fits: Climate & conservation programs including Baja, Yellowstone, and MIT Engineering offer hands-on exploration of environmental and scientific topics.
Why it fits: Students complete restoration projects and learn ecology while preserving habitats in national parks and forests.
Why it fits: Students investigate water quality and native bee ecology using real tools and scientific methods in lab and field settings.
Why it fits: Activity includes oceanography sampling, plankton studies, and coastal marine ecology exploration in Monterey Bay.
Why it fits: Outdoor adventure activities and earth science labs on a 100-acre mountain campus provide direct exposure to environmental exploration.
Why it fits: Field-based programs focus on studying the marine environment through experiential, community-based learning.
Why it fits: Hands-on learning in marine ecosystems and oceanography provides direct exposure to environmental field research and observation.
Why it fits: Students present environmental research projects demonstrating hands-on investigation of ecological and sustainability challenges.
Why it fits: Program encompasses science, engineering, and social sciences research that directly prepares students for environmental science careers.
Why it fits: Botanical gardens work and wildlife conservation missions connect to environmental protection and ecosystem understanding.
Why it fits: Students collect and analyze volunteer data on trash types and amounts to support environmental advocacy and policy.
Why it fits: Students design and implement hydroponic gardening systems to address food insecurity and water conservation challenges.
Why it fits: Students learn urban ecology and habitat restoration while removing invasive species and managing wetland ecosystems.
Why it fits: Program emphasizes ocean protection, conservation, and understanding marine ecosystems through hands-on volunteer work.
Why it fits: The competition emphasizes research on water issues and environmental innovation that impacts communities globally.
Why it fits: Students conduct research on industrial and environmental biotechnology applications like bioremediation and biofuels.
Why it fits: Competition covers Earth science and energy topics relevant to environmental research and sustainability.
Why it fits: Direct focus on environmental science research and education through the TREES program curriculum.
Why it fits: The program emphasizes environmental sciences research and visits to agricultural operations to explore environmental science careers.
Why it fits: Students focus on environmental policy and sustainability issues through in-depth legislative research and analysis projects.
Why it fits: Students engage with conservation science projects and animal welfare research at the zoo.
Why it fits: Program focuses on conservation action and environmental education, core responsibilities of environmental scientists.
Why it fits: Program includes environmental action projects and fieldwork at preserves like Pepperwood.
Why it fits: Students conduct field science on glaciers and ecosystems across multiple continents.
Why it fits: Students conduct hands-on science and environmental education in pristine Southwestern ecosystems, directly mirroring field research work.
Why it fits: The program specifically develops environmental leaders through conservation-focused fellowships and mentoring opportunities.
Why it fits: Students directly study polar environments and Arctic change through field research and scientific methods.
Why it fits: Environmental health and emergency preparedness topics directly connect to environmental science career pathways.
Why it fits: Students conduct field research on urban ecology topics like water quality and invasive species management.
Why it fits: Students can pursue environmental science and urban ecology research projects during the six-week summer component.
Why it fits: Chemistry expertise and scientific research methods are core to environmental science work.
Why it fits: Students explore ocean conservation and climate change through creative environmental inquiry and research.
Why it fits: Program emphasizes exploring and understanding local watersheds through scientific observation and creative translation.
Why it fits: Projects include Earth systems and natural hazards research using satellite geodesy and remote sensing.
Why it fits: Program includes research opportunities specifically in environmental science and ecology fields with UT faculty.
Why it fits: Ecology, evolutionary biology, and hydrology are offered research areas involving data collection and analysis.
Why it fits: Competition encourages research on environmental and ecosystem topics, including water quality and biodiversity studies.
Why it fits: Students conduct real ecological research on light pollution impacts and seasonal tree changes in Chicago.