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Deadline: Friday, February 29, 2008

EnvironMentors 2006-07 School Year Accomplishments

EnvironMentors is an environment-based mentoring program aimed at preparing high school students for college programs and careers in science and environmental professions. The program is a collaborative effort of volunteer science and environmental professionals, aspiring high school students, science teachers, school administrators, government agencies, community organizations, foundations and businesses who generously support our work.

Hands-On, Inquiry Based Approach to Learning - EnvironMentors matches dedicated environmental professionals as mentors to high schools students. Working together, students and mentors develop experimental research projects on locally relevant environmental topics over the course of the school year. Students participate in college prep courses, paid internships, and other environmental enrichment activities as part of the program.

Achieving Results - Students who participate in EnvironMentors achieve a satisfying 98% high school graduation rate, with 95% admitted to college. System-wide, only 50% of DC public school students graduate. Studies show that environment-based education is a useful instrument for interesting women and minorities in careers in environmental management.

Mentors Making a Difference - Over its twelve-year history, EnvironMentors has engaged over 700 science and environmental professionals to serve as academic mentors for nearly 1,000 high school students. Valued at a below market rate of $50 per hour for scientific tutoring services, the total value of our mentors contributions to students' academic success represents nearly $2 million in contributed time.

Pathway to College and Environmental Careers - Students who participate in the EnvironMentors program for two years, attend a college prep course, apply to college and select an environmental science as their major are eligible for a $10,000 college scholarship. EnvironMentors has awarded three Natural Resource Education Scholarships in the last two years. Through a partnership with the National Council for Science and the Environment, EnvironMentors hosts an annual event with the Council of Environmental Deans and Directors to introduce our students for potential college placement.

Celebrating Success - Each spring, EnvironMentors' students present their projects to elementary school classes and then to a team of judges at the EnvironMentors Fair. Students are recognized for their achievements and those that excel and pursue studies in environmental science receive college scholarships.